13-alkylgona-1, 3, 5 (10), 8-tetraenes



July 2, 1968 G, A. HUGHES ET AL. 3,391,169

Origna-1 Filed Sept. 23. 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.

cH Ill c\ CHZOH CH2-Bf CH2 H H n caso Cz 2 c||3o Ca 2 cH5o Ca 2 I 1I DI 2 CH3 El o CH2 o ,CH2

C \N c H /CHZNCIHZ l 2 5 2 o o ofc`cn2 2H52 `cH2 n u cH o cn o a cH o 2 s s CH2 3 CH2 m SZ BZ l,CC'CHa @C ""*2 QH?, cHao cH/CHa EHS CH2 o 2 cu2 o cn'so cHBo IX X FIG. 2

alms 25H3 cugg' CHzcaso w30 XI XII /lvvE/vrons GORDON A. HUGHES HERCHEL SMITH A T TORNE Y July 2, 1968 G. A, HUGHES ET AL 3,391,169

13-ALKYLGONA-1,5,5(10),B-TETRAENES 2 Sheets-Sheet E Original Filed Sept. 23. 1960 CH3 W3 CH2 o CH2 OH --cscH cH3o cHso X XIII FIG. 4

CH3 .HS CH2 o CH2 oH caso cHBo X XEZ FIG. 5

CH3 CIH5 2 H CH2 0 caca cHZcH cHao cHao XIII XSL 21H3 ococus v CH2 ococHs @igcHBo caso XII XSZJI /Nve/vrons GORDON A. HUGHES HERCHEL SMITH A 7' TOR/VE Y United States Patent O ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE T he preparation of 13-methylgona-l,3,5(10),8tetraeues and novel l3-pOlycarbon-alkylgona-1,3,5(lO),8-tetra enes by selective hydrogenation of the corresponding gona- 1,3,5(),\8,14pentaenes or corresponding 1,3,5(10),8,14,

l-hexaene is described. These compounds have estrogenic and anti-lipemic activity and, in addition, are useful as intermediates for the preparation of compounds having estrogenic, anti-lipemic, progestational, anabolic, and androgenic activities.

This application is a division of co-pending application Ser. No. 228,382 tiled Oct. 4, 1962, which in turn is a continuation of applications Ser. No. 57,904 filed Sept. 23, 1960, Ser. No. 91,341 filed Feb. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 137,535 led Sept. 12, 1961, Ser. No. 195,000 filed May 15, 1962, and Ser. No. 196,557 led May 16, 1962; all abandoned.

This invention relates to compositions of matter classitied in the art of chemistry as substituted unsaturatedgonane derivatives, to intermediates therefor, and to processes for making and using such compositions.

In describing the invention, reference will be made in the following specification to the annexed drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 illustrates schematically the reaction sequence for preparing a 13-alkylgona-1,3,5 (10),'8-tetraene, specifically 13p ethyI-B-methoxygona-1,3,5 (11)),8-tetraen-17-one.

FIGURE 2 illustrates schematically the hydrogenation of a 13all ylgona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene to prepare a 13-alkylgona-l,3,5(10),8tetraene, specifically the conversion of 17,17-ethylenedioxy-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8, 14-pentaene to 17,17-ethylenedioxy-3-rnethoxygona-1,3,5- 11)),8-tetraene.

FIGURE 3 illustrates schematically the ethynylation of a 13-alkylgona-l,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one to prepare a 13-'ilkylgona-1,3,5(l),8-tetraen17-ol, specifically 13,8- ethyl 17a ethynyl-S-methoxygona-l,3,5(10),8tetraenil-ol from 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,t3-tetraen-lT-one.

FIGURE 4 illustrates schematically the reduction of a l3-alkylgona-1,3,5(11)),8-tetraen-l7-one to prepare a 13- alkylgona-1,3,5(10),8 -tetraen-l7-ol, specifically 13,3- ethyl 3 methoxygona l,3,5(l0),8tetraen17ol from 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10) ,8-tetraen-17-one.

FIGURE 5 illustrates schematically the selective hydrogenation of a 13-alkyl-17-ethynylgona-1,3,5(1.0),8- tetraene to prepare a 13,l7-diethylgona-l,3,5(l0),S-tetraene, specifically 13,8,l7ot-diethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5( l0), 8-tetraen-17-ol from lB-ethyl-17a-ethynyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 l0) ,8tetraen-l7ol.

FIGURE 6 illustrates schematically the hydrogenation of a 13-alkylgona1,3,5(l0),8,l4,l-hexaene to prepare a 3,391,169 Patented July 2, 1968 rice 13-alkylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraene, specifically the conversion of l7-acetoxy-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5( l0), 8,l4,16hexaene to 17-acetoxy-l3-ethyl-3-methoxygonal,3,5( l0) ,S-tetraene.

The invention sought to be patented, in a principal composition aspect, is described as residing in the concept of a chemical compound having a gona-1,3,5(l0),8tetra ene nucleus and having attached the-reto in the 11i-position a monovalent polycarbon-alkyl radical.

The tangible embodiments of the composition aspect of the invention possess the inherent general physical properties of being white crystalline solids, are substantially insoluble in water and are generally :soluble in polar solvents such as dimethylacetamide. Examination of compounds produced according to the hereinafter described process reveals, upon ultraviolet and infrared spectrographic analysis, spectral data supporting the molecular structures herein set forth. The aforementioned physical characteristics, taken together with the nature of the starting materials and the mode of synthesis, confirm the structure of the compositions sought to be patented.

The tangible embodiments of the invention possess the inherent applied use characteristics of exerting qualitatively varying hormone effects in animals as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation according to standard test procedures. Such tangible embodiments show estrogenic and blood lipid lowering effects, and these ndings indicate their usefulness in the treatment of female hypogonadism, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, ovulation block, functional uterine bleeding, acne, arteriosclerosis, opteoporosis, hormone dependent tumors, infertility, and in contraception. In particular, it has been established that alterations of the natural steroid structure made possible by our discovery result not merely in a change of degree of hormonal activity but, as a result of the separation of types of hormonal activity, alter in an unexpected way its basic nature so that a desirable hormone effect is `maximized and an undesirable hormone effect is minimized.

In addition to their inherent applied use characteristics, the intermediate compositions of this invention are useful in practicing the process aspect of the present invention in the making of the principal gonane compositions of the invention according to the sequence of reactions described herein.

The invention sought to be patented, in a principal process of making the compositions aspect, is described as residing in the concept of the sequence of reactions including: converting a compound having a S-phenyl-pent-l-yne nucleus, ring-unsubstituted in at least one position ortho to the point of chain attachment, by means of a Mannich type reaction, to its acetylenic amine derivative; hydrating the acetylenic linkage to form a 3-keto compound; reacting such 3-keto substrate compound with a nucleophilic 2-monovalent alkyl-1,3-dioxocyclopentano compound under Michael condensation conditions to attach the cyclopentano compound through its 2-position carbon atom to the l-position carbon atom of the 3-keto compound; treating the bicyclic triketone formed in the preceding step with an acidic dehydrating agent thereby to effect a double cyclodehydraton to form a 1,3,5(10),8,14penta dehydro-lS-alkylgonane, and thereafter selectively saturating the 14(15) double bond of said gonane with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.

The invention sought to be patented in a sub-generic composition aspect is described as residing in the concept of a 17-ester of a l3-alkylgona-1,3,5(l0),8tetraen17o (FIGURE 6, XVII), of which a specific embodiment ir which the alkyl group is 13e-ethyl andthe ester is the ace tate ester as hereinafter described.

The tangible embodiments of said sub-generic composition aspect possess the use characteristic of varying hormone effects in animals, as evidenced by pharmacological evaluation by standard test procedures, and in particular in certain instances anti-atherogenic effects accompanied by unexpected separation of activities.

The invention sought to be patented in a second process aspect is described as residing in the concept of selectively hydrogenating in the presence of a catalyst a compound having a gona-1,3,5 (l),8,l4-pentaene nucleus (FIGURE 2, XI) and obtaining unexpectedly the corresponding compound having a gona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraene nucleus exclusively, with the l4hydrogen exocyclic substituent trans to the 13-exocyc1ic substituent (FIGURE 2, XII).

The invention sought to be patented in a third process aspect is described as residing in the concept of alkynylating a compound having a gona-1,3,5(l0),8tetraenl7one nucleus (FIGURE 3, X) and obtaining the corresponding 17aalkynylgona-l,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol (FIGURE 3, XIII).

The invention sought to be patented in a fourth process aspect is described as residing in the concept of selectively hydrogenating in the presence of a catalyst a l7ot-alkynylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol (FIGURE 5, XIII) to obtain a 17aalkylgona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen l7-ol (FIG- URE 5, XV).

The invention sought to be patented in a fifth process aspect, as illustrated in annexed FIGURE 6 is described as residing in the concept of selectively hydrogenating in the presence of a catalyst a compound having a gona-1,3, (10),8,14,16hexaene nucleus (FIGURE 6, XVI) and obtaining unexpectedly the ycorresponding compound having a gona-I,3,5(),8tetraene nucleus, with the 14hy drogen exocyclic substituent trans to the l3-exocyclic substituent (FIGURE 6, XVII).

The manner of making the chemical compounds which are the starting materials for use in making the compounds of the invention, and for use in the processes of making the invention, are illustrated in co-pending application Ser. No. 228,384 tiled Oct. 4, 1962.

The manner and process of making and using the invention will now be generally described so as to enable a person skilled in the art of chemistry to make and use the same, as follows:

Referring now to FIGURE l, wherein the compounds are assigned roman numerals for identification schematically, the sequence of reactions involved in the synthesis of a specific embodiment, namely, 13ethyl-3-methoxy gona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen l7-one, is illustrated. 3-( mmethoxyphenyl)propanol (I) is heated with phosphorus tribromide in benzene after dropwise addition in the cold to form 3-(m-methoXyphenyl)-propyl bromide (II). This halogen compound (11)( dissolved in tetrahydrofuran is condensed with sodium acetylide in liquid ammonia to obtain S-(m-methoxyphenyl)-1-pentyne (III). Compound III is allowed to stand under nitrogen with water, formalin, acetic acid, diethylamine, dioxan, and cuprous chloride at 70 C., for about 12 hours, whereby there is obtained ldiethylamino-- (m-methoxyphenyl) 2-hexyne (IV), which is in turn hydrated in the presence of a mercury salt and sulfuric acid to form 1-diethylamino-6-(mmethoxyphenyl)-3-hexanone (V). The ketamine (V) may eliminate diethylamine on distillation to give the vinyl ketone 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)-l-hexen-3one (VI). Either the ketamine (V) or the ketone (VI), or mixtures thereof, is then reacted with 2-ethyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (VII) under Michael condensation conditions, eg., retiuxing in methanolic potassium hydroxide to form 2- ethyl-2 [-(m-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxohexyl] 1,3-cyclopentanedione (VIII).

Compound VIII is then cyclodehydrated at the rellux temperature of a solvent, such as benzene, in the presence of a dehydrating acid, such as p-toluene sulfonic acid, to effect simultaneous ring closures to give the tctracyclic :ompound 13-ethyl-3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8,14

pentaene-l7-one (IX). The 14-unsaturation of Compound IX is then selectively hydrogenated in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as 2% palladized calcium carbonate, to form l3-ethyl-3methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17 one (X).

Referring now to FIGURE 3, wherein the compounds are assigned roman numerals for identification schematically, a specic embodiment of the invention 13-ethyll7a-ethynyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-l7-ol (XIII) is formed by ethynylating 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraena17one with an alkali metal acetylide or an acetylenic Grignard reagent.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, another specific embodiment of the invention, 13,6,l7-diethyl-3methoxygona-l, 3,5(10),8tetraenl7ol (XV) is formed by selectively hydrogenating in the presence of a -metal catalyst 13,8- ethyl-l7aethynyl-3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8tetraen- 17e-ol (XIII) until the acetylenic group is saturated with hydrogen.

While the hereinbefore described processes produce novel and steroidal-like compounds `which have an unnatural substituent at the l3-position, it is apparent that the novel and valuable processes of the invention offer a unique feasible route to the corresponding natural steroids if the nucleophilic compound used in the Michael condensation step is 2-methyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione.

The aromatic ring of the phenylpropanol (FIGURE 1, I) used as the starting material for the preparation of the compositions and initial preparations of the invention may have one or more substituents, provided, however, at least one position ortho to the position of propanol-chain attachment is unsubstituted so that cyclodehydration to form a cyclic structure can eventually be eifectuated. To activate such ortho position for said subsequent ring closure, a para-directing group (referring to electrophilic aromatic substitution) such as hydroxy, acyloxy, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, or acylamino is a necessary substituent on the aromatic ring. The group may be present initially or may be introduced later but before ring closure, either directly, or by conversion from a meta-directing group such as nitro. The term para-directing group (referring to electrophilic aromatic substitution) as used herein means an activating group such as those hereinbefore listed and which activate all positions on the aromatic nucleus. Thus, if the group is para-directing, as defined above, it can be in a position meta to the ortho position to which ring closure is limited by steric considerations, said position being activated even though another position is more highly activated. Ring closure could not occur at the said more highly activated position because of the above-mentioned steric limitations. For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations of the substituents on the A-ring of the fully formed tetracyclic structures, or the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other. After the tetracyclic structure has been formed, substituents can be introduced into the aromatic A-ring which are not limited as above; however, if such substituted compound is to undergo a reduction, the group is preferably one not sensitive to reduction. For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations eX- pressed in this specification, variations of the substituents on the A-ring of the fully formed tetracyclic structures, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

The carbon atom to which the phenyl group of the starting propanol (I) is attached can be substituted, as, for example, with an alkyl group, such as methyl or ethyl. This atom will appear in the tetracyclic structures of the invention in the 6-position.

The 2-carbon atom of the starting phenyl-propanol (I) can also be substituted, as, for example, with an alkyl group, such as methyl and ethyl, and, as such, be unchanged throughout the subsequent synthesis. In the tetracyclic structures of the invention this carbon atom will appear in the 7-position.

For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations of the B-ring on the fully formed tetracyclic structures, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

In the Michael reaction step, the 3-keto substrate compound can be a -phenyl-l-hexen-S-one, or alternatively, a -phenyl-S-hexanone having attached to the l-position a group which will eliminate with hydrogen to form a 6- phenyl-l-hexen-3-one under Michael conditions. Thus, a B-keto compound with a l-dialkylamino substituent or its quaternary salt, a l-halo substituent, or a l-hydroxy substituent will react with the nucleophilic compound to form the Michael product. The nucleophilic compound can be a carbocyclic-l-dione of varying ring size, as for example, a tive-membered ring, a six-membered ring, etc., ultimately forming a corresponding five-membered, a sixmembered, etc., D-ring in the tetracyclic structure. The 1,3cyclodione may also contain a hetero atom at positions other than position 2, thereby to provide a heterocyclic D-ring in the tetracyclic structure. Acyclic nucleophilic compounds can be used in conducting the Michael reaction step and the open-chain of the resulting product thereafter ring-closed to form a cyclic D-ring.

For the processes of the invention, and except for the limitations expressed in this specification, variations of the D-ring on the fully formed tetracyclic structure, or on the intermediates leading thereto, are full equivalents of each other.

When the nucleophilic compound is 2-methyl-L3-cyclopentanedione, the invention provides a unique total synthesis for natural steroids: the hydrogens at the S-position, 9-position, and lll-position being a, and a, respectively, as in the natural steroids. Thus such valuable therapeutic substances as estrone, estradiol, and l9-nortestosterone are made avai'able from easily obtainable and relatively simple and inexpensive starting materials.

Moreover, by varying the group at tne Z-position of the nucleophilic Michael condensation reactant, the invention provides a way to produce compounds resembling the natural steroids save at the 13-position.

The starting materials for the preparation of the 2sub stituted 1,3-cyclopentanediones are ketones of the structure R-CHZCOCHG, Where R is the substituent which will appear at the 2-position of the 1,3-cyclopentanediones. The starting ketone is reacted with diethyl oxalate in the presence of base to form a cyclopentane-l,3,4-trione-5- glyoxylic ester substituted at position 2 with the group R present in the starting ketone. The product is treated with acid to remove the S-Substituent, and the 4-ketone function is then removed by Wolff-Kishner reduction, involving selective semicarbazone formation at C4 and heating the product with base such as sodium hydroxide. On acidification the required 2substitutedl,Z-cyclopentane dione can be isolated. Thus, the group R, which eventually forms the 2-substituent of the 1,3-cyclopentane dione, can be any organic group which is stable to acid and to Wolff- Kishner conditions and can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, cetyl, diethylaminoethyl, etc. Thus, by varying the substituent at the 2-position of the 1,3-cyelopentanedione, alkyl groups of varying chain length such as, for example, ethyl, isopropyl, cetyl, etc., may be introduced to form the gonane correspondingly substituted at tne l3-position. Further, gonanes may be prepared wherein the l3-position is substituted with any organic radical. Thus, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an aralkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or a polycarbon-alkylene bridge bearing a hydroxy-, amino, or alkylaminosubstituent can readily be placed in the 13-position, and from such compounds other variations of the l3-position substituent can be prepared, as haloalkyls from hydroxyalkyls, or quaternary salts, amides, alkenyls, etc. from aminoalkyls.

For the processes of the invention and except for the limitations expressed in this specication, variations at the 13-position of the fully formed tetracyclic structures or on the intermediates leading thereto are the full equivalents of the claimed l3-position polycarbon-alkyl substituents, having physiological activity of the same type.

In any of the intermediate structures or in the tetracyclic structures of the invention wherein the l7position, or position corresponding thereto in the gonane nucleus, is carbonyl, the carbonyl group can be converted to a group such as hydroxyrnethylene by lithium aluminum hydride reduction; to acyloxymethylene by esterication of the hydroxymethylene group so formed; to alkoxymethylene by etherication of the hydroxymethylene group; to alkylhydroxymethylene by addition of the appropriate organo-metallic reagent to the carbonyl; or to alkynylhydroxyinethylene by addition of the appropriate alkali metal acetylide in a suitable inert solvent; all, in the known manners. The carbonyl group may also be ketalized or thioketalized by treating with the appropriate alcohol or glycol, in a suitable solvent under acidic conditions, as in the presence of an acid such as sulfuric acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid, or Iboron triliuoride etherate, with heating where necessary, according to the known art.

The specilic reactions involved in the processes of the invention will now be considered, as follows, reference being made to the drawings for typifying compounds:

The vinyl ketones (VI) are prepared by elimination of dialkyiarnine from the corresponding dialkylaminoethyl aminoketones (V), obtained by hydration of the acetylenic linkage in an acetylenic amine (IV). The acetylenic amines (IV) can be themselves prepared by a Mannich reaction from the corresponding acetylene (Ill) with formaldehyde and a dialkylamine. The hydration can be carried out, for example, in aqueous sulfuric acid with mercurio sulfate as a catalyst. The corresponding quaternary salts, which may also be used in the subsequent Michael condensation, can be obtained by quaternization of the corresponding acetylenic dialkylaminoethyl amine, followed by hydration, or by quaternization of the corresponding acetylenic dialkylaminoethyl amine, followed by hydration, or by quaternization of the ketoamine. The vinyl ketones can be prepared from these derivatives by the above elimination reaction. Thus the ketoamine or its quaternary salt can be treated with a base for this purpose, for example, with sodium hydroxide or a sodium alkoxide.

The vinyl ketones (VI) and dialkylamino ketones (V) are condensed with a nucleophilic compound under Michael reaction conditions. Thus the condensation can be carried out by bringing the two reagents together in solution in the presence of a base, for example, pyridine, triethylamine, diethylamine, sodium hydroxide, or sodium methoxide, and heating as required. The nature and amount of base employed in the condensation reaction will depend upon the particular reagents used. Where the vinyl ketone derivative employed is a keto-amine and dialkylamine is eliminated in the reaction, no added base may be required. Where the compound is a Z-alkylcyclopentanel,3dione (VIII), the compound to be condensed with it is preferably a vinyl ketone, and the dione is used in excess of the molecular equivalent quantity. Suitable solvents are hydrocarbons, such as benzene, and anhydrous alcohols, such as methanol. iii the reaction is carried out in benzene Linder rei'luxing conditions, water formed in the condensation may be azeotroped out of the reaction mixture with a Dean-Stark type trap.

As hereinbefore noted, monocyclodehydration of the C-ring is accomplished by an internal aldol ccndensiticn The cyclodehydration can therefore be carried out using conditions generally applicable for an aldol condensation, i.e., in the presence of an acid or 'basic catalyst such as NaOH, p-toluene sulfonic acid, triethylamine benzoate, aluminum tertiary butoxide, and the like, either at room temperature or accompanied by heating if necessary. In

most instances, we prefer to carry out the cyclic dehydration at the boiling point of the solvent to permit azeotropic removal of the water formed during the course of the reaction, inasmuch as the aldol reaction is an equilibrium one. Preferred as solvents are the low boiling anhydrous aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene and Xylene. C-ring :closure occurs yregardless of the nature of the substitution on the aromatic ring.

The B-ring closure is brought about under acidic conditions. Suitable are strong acids such as sulfuric, hydrochloric, p-toluene sulfonic, etc. The reaction is generally carried out at room temperature or below since heat may promote the formation of an aromatic B-ring. The preferred treatment is with methanolic hydrochloric acid at room temperature. As hereinbefore noted, it has been found that the ease of B-ring closure of the compounds of the invention to form tetracyclic compounds is affected by the nature of the substituent present on the preformed aromatic A-ring, and that subsequent cyclization is easier to carry out when the preformed aromatic A-ring contains a substituent which activates the position at which cyclization is to occur. Where a compound is to be used directly for B-ring closure, it will in practice be one containing such a substituent. Those substituents which cause subsequent B-ring closure to occur readily are substituents para to the position of ring closure which are groups that in electrophilic aromatic substitution activate an aromatic ring and are predominantly oand p-directing; for example, the hydroxy or alkoxy group.

The double cyclodehydration is brought about by dissolving a compound typified by Compound VIII in benzene -containing a catalytic amount of p-toluene sulfonic acid and boiling the mixture under a Dean-Stark trap until two equivalents of water have lbeen collected, or alternatively, by treating the same triketone with polyphosphoric acid at room temperature or slightly above ring closure is complete.

The selective 'hydrogenation of the gona-8,14-dienes typified by Compound IX is carried out 'by means of 2% palladized calcium carbonate. As hereinbefore noted, surprisingly, the catalytic hydrogenation results in addition of hydrogen to the 1li-double bond in such a way as t0 give the natural stereochemical configuration; that is, the hydrogen adds at 14-trans to the alkyl at 13. Selective reduction of the 14-ethylenic linkage is achieved by use of catalyst-solvent combination which shows adequate selectivity, and stopping the hydrogenation when the theoretical amount of hydrogen has reacted. Solvents showing selectivity in this regard are the nonprotonic solvents, that is, hydrocarbons and ethers; benzene, toluene, naphtha, dioxan, dibutyl ether, and diethyl ether are examples of suitable nonprotonic solvents. On the other hand, protonic solvents such as acetic acid and ethanol appear to be largely non-selective.

It has been Ifound that a `moderately active Raney nickel catalyst provides good selectivity in a suitable solvent. If a Raney nickel catalyst of low activity is employed, the hydrogenation may be too slow to be useful; on the other hand, a vigorous catalyst shows poor selectivity, and some saturation of the 8,9-ethylenic bond may occur simultaneously with the hydrogenation at the 14,15- position.

If desired, other moderately active hydrogenation catalysts may be used instead of Raney nickel; for example, palladium on barium sulfate or on an alkaline earth metal carbonate or on charcoal have all been found suitable in this selective hydrogenation.

While the tetracyclic compounds in this specification and the appended examples are named to describe the configuration corresponding to that of the natural steroids, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated, the product of each of the given manipulative procedures is a racemic mixture which contains said named compound and its cnantiomorph.

Representative `formulations embodying specific compositions of this invention follow:

A pharmaceutical tablet for use as an oral anti-atherogenic agent consists of the following ingredients:

iMg. 3,17,6-diacetoxy-l3-ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8-tetraene 25 Carboxymethylcellulose (viscosity 40() cps.) 15 Lactose powder 25 Redried corn starch 25 Magnesium stearate powder 4 Calcium silicate powder, q.s.

A capsule for use as an oral anti-atherogenic agent contains, in encapsulating gelatin, the followlng vingredients:

Finely divided silica lubricant 5 Magnesium stearate powder 5 Powdered corn starch 113 Lactose powder, q.s.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersi'ble granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. A solid carrier can be one or more substances which may also act as dil'uents, avoring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, or tabletdisintegrating agents: it can also be an encapsulating material. In powders the carrier is a finely divided solid 'which is in admixture with the finely divided compound. In the tablets the compound is mixed with carrier having the necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets, preferably contain from 5 or =1O to 99% of the active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, and cocoa butter. The term preparation is intended to include the formulation of the compound with encapsulating Imaterial as carrier providing a capsule in which the compound (with or without other carriers) is surrounded by carrier, which is thus in association with it. Similarly, cachets are included. Tablets, powders, cachets, and capsules can be used for oral administration.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. The compounds are insoluble in water, but can be dissolved in aqueous-organic solvent mixtures that are non-toxic in the amounts used. As an example may be mentioned water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection. Liquid preparations can also be formulated in solution in aqueous polyethylene glycol solutions. Aqueous suspension suitable for oral use 4can be made lby dispensing the finely divided compound in water `with viscous material, natural or synthetic gums, resins, etc., for example, gum arabic, ion-exchange resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxyniethylcellulose and other well-known suspending agents.

Preferably the pharmaceutical preparation is in unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is sub-divided in unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the compound: the unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, for example, packeted powders of vials or ampules. The unit dosage form can be a capsule, cachet, or tablet itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form. The quantity of compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from 1 mg. to 100 mg. (generally within the range of 2.5 to 25 mg.) according to the particular application and the potency of the active ingredient.

The claimed compositions having physiological activity can be incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations including sustained-release agents.

The following preparations illustrate the manner of making the chemical compounds which are the starting materials for use in the processes of the invention.

Preparation 1.-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-n-propyl bromide Cool 3-(S-methoxyphenyl)propan-l-ol (125 g.) in benzene (200 cc.) to and add a solution of phosphorus tribromide (86 g.) in benzene (150 cc.) dropwise so that the temperature of the mixture does not rise above Keep the mixture at 0 for 1 hour and then heat at 60 for 3 hours. Cool, pour onto ice, dilute with ether and separate the organic layer. Wash the organic solution with 3 N aqueous sodium hydroxide, water and dry. Remove the solvent and distil the residue to obtain the title compound (131 g.), B.P. 146-148/17 mm. nDl 1.5497.

CwHBrO, calculated: C, 52.4; Found: C, 54.4; H, 5.7; Br, 34.7.

reparation 2.-5-m-methoxyphenylpent-1yne Add 3(3-rnethoxyphenyl)-n-propyl bromide (14 g.) in tetrahydrofuran cc.) with rapid stirring to a solution of sodium acetylide (from 1.84 g. sodium) in liquid ammonia (125 cc.) in a Dewar ask. Continue stirring for 22 hours, then add ammonium chloride (3 g.) and water (50 cc.). Collect the product with ether and wash and dry the ethereal solution. Distil to obtain S-m-methoxyphenylpent-l-yne (7.1 gr., 66%), B.P. 75-78 C./ 0.06 ymm. Hg.

CHHMO, calculated: C, 82.7%; H, 8.1%. Found: C, 82.2%; H, 7.8%.

Preparation 3.--1-diethylamino-6-mrnethoxy phenylhex-Z-yne H, 5.7; Br, 34.8.

Allow S-rn-methoxyphenylpent-l-yne (8 g.) to stand for l2 hours at 70 C. under nitrogen with water (2.5 cc.) trioxan (0.5 g.), 30% formalin (5.5 g.), diethylamine (4 g.), acetic acid (2.75 g.), dioxan (25 cc.) and cuprous chloride (0.13 g.). Make the cooled solution alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide and extract With ether; then extract the ether extract with 10% hydrochloric acid: wash the acid extract with ether, and then wash and dry the ether extract. Distil to obtain 1- diethylamino 6 m methoxyphenylhex-Z-yne (10.6 g., 88%), B.P. 13D-131 C./0.1 mm.

C17H25N, calculated: C, 78.7%; H, 9.7%. Found: C, 78.9%; H, 9.6%.

Preparation 4.-1-diethylamino-G-m-methoxyphenylhexan-3-one and 6-m-mcthoxyphenylhex-1-en-3-one Add mercurio sulphate (0.45 g.) to a swirled solution of 1-diethylamino--m-methoxyphenylhex-Z-yne (8.5 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (2.5 cc.) and water (25 cc.). Keep the solution under nitrogen at 75 C. for l hour, then cool, make basic with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, and filter through glass wool to remove mercuric oxide. Extract product with ether and wash and dry the ethereal solution. Remove the solvent to obtain the crude ketoamine l-diethylamino 6 m-methoxyphenylhexan-S-one, infrared absorption peak at 1710lt. Distil under reduced pressure with partial elimination of diethylamine, to obtain a mixture of the ketoamine l-diethylamino-6-m-rnethoxyphenylhexan-3one and the vinyl ketone 6-rn-rnethoxyphenylhexl-en-3-one (7.1 g., ca. 76%), Bl. 140-145o C./0.l mm.; infrared absorption peaks at 5.85 and 5.95p., the ketoarnine predominating.

Preparation 5 .-2- 6-m-methoxyphenyl-3 -oxohexyl 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione Reflux a mixture (5.25 g.) of l-diethylamino-6-m- 10 methoxyphcnylhexan-3-one and 6-m-methoxyphenylhexl-en-3-one with 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3-dione (3.3 g.) in dry 0.12% methanolic solution of potassium hydroxide for 18 hours. Filter the resulting solution, evaporate to dryness and dissolve the residue in ether. Wash the ether solution with alkali, hydrochloric acid, and water, dry and evaporate to obtain as residue the triketone 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl) 2 ethylcyclopentane-1,3dione (7.1 g.) as a gum.

Preparation 6.-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3 ,5 (10) ,8,14-pentaen-17-one Reilux the triketone 2ethyl2(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3- oxo-hexyl)cyclopentane-1,3dione (7.1 g.), in benzene (150 cc.) and toluene-p-sulphonic acid (2 g.) until the theoretical amount of water (0.72 cc.) for double cyclodehydration has been collected in a Dean-Stark separator. Wash the cooled reaction mixture after removal of solvent under reduced pressure, B.P. ca. 220/ 0.01 mm., to obtain an almost colorless glass (5.7 g.). Crystallize the glass from methanol containing a little ethyl acetate to obtain pure 13-ethyl-3-methoxyggona-l,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaenl7one (3.7 g.), M.P. 77-80; ultraviolet absorption peak at 311 ,ma (e 28,000).

C20H22O2, calculated: C, 81.6%; I-ll, 7.5%. Found: C, 81.3%; H, 7.3%.

The following examples illustrate the manner of using the claimed processes of the invention for the preparation of the claimed compositions of the invention.

Example l.-13-methyl-3-methoxy-D- homogona-l ,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17a-one To 13 methyl 3 methoxy-D-homogona-l,3,5(10), 8,14-pentaen-l7a-one (0.3 g.) in dioxan (20 cc.) add a moderately active Raney nickel catalyst (ca. 0.2 g.). Hydrogenate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure until 24 cc. hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter off the catalyst and evaporate the filtrate to obtain a solid; recrystallize from a mixture of ethanol and ethyl acetate to obtain the title product (0.15 g.), M.P. 120-150" C. Ultraviolet absorption peak at 275 mit (614,000).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Dissolve 13,3 methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8,14 pentaen-l7-one (1 g.) in dioxan (33 cc.). To the solution add Raney nickel catalyst (ca. 0.5 g.) which has been prepared by the method of Pavlic and Adkins, I. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1946, 68, 1471 and allow to stand for 24 hours. Hydrogenate at room temperature and pressure until the theoretical amount of hydrogen (92 ce.) for saturation of one ethylenic linkage has been absorbed. Towards the end of this period (5 hours) the rate of hydrogenation drops markedly. Evaporate the solvent after removal of catalyst to obtain a gum which readily crystallizes. Recrystallize once from ethanol to obtain the crude title product (0.69 g.), M.P. 11G-120; ultraviolet a'bsorption peak at 278 my. (614,700).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention. i

Example 3 .-13 @methyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5(10),8tetracn-l7-one Shake l3 methyl-3 -rnethoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8,l4- pentaen-17-one (1 g.) in benzene (35 cc.) with a 10% palladium on barium sulphate catalyst (0.3 g.) in the presence of hydrogen at atmospheric pressure until cc. hydrogen has been absorbed. By the end of this period (l1/2 hours) the rate of hydrogenation will have slowed down. Filter the mixture and evaporate the solvent to obtain a gum which solidifies; recrystallize from ethanol 1 1 to obtain the title product (0.68 g.), M.P. 11C-120; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 13,200).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 13p ethyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona-1,3,5(10), 8,14-pentaen-17a-one (1.175 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (100 cc.) with 2% palladium on calcium carbonate (0.5 g., prereduced) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst; evaporate the solvent, recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title product (0.925 g), MP. l04-107; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ITI/1. (515,680).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Dissolve 13,8 ethyl- 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in dioxan (50 cc.) containing Raney nickel (ca. 0.5 g.) of moderate activity and shake with hydrogen until 160 cc., the amount corresponding to one molecular proportion has been absorbed. Recrystallize the isolated product from methanol to obtain the title product (1.2 g.), M.P. 11G-125; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 13,200).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Condense 2-propyl1,3-cyclopentanedione (13.1 g.) in 0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide solution (90 cc.) With 6-m-methoxyphenylhex-1-en-3-one (19.0 g.), to obtain crude 2 propyl-2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxohexyl) cyclopentane-1,3dione (25.5 g). Submit this Michael condensation product (23.4 g.) to double cyclodehydration; distil the product at 200/ 10-4 mm. and crystallize the distillate from ethanol, to obtain the tetracyelic diene ketone, M.P. 532-84", ultraviolet absorption peak at 310 ma (e 24,700).

Selectively hydrogenate the diene ketone g.) in benzene solution with a palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst until sutiicient hydrogen has been taken up to saturate the 14,15-ethylenic bond. Isolate the product (3.5 g.) as pink crystals from methanol, M.P. lll-113.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 7.-13-isopropyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraene17-one Shake 13;? isopropyl-3methoxygona1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in dioxan (50 cc.) with a freshly prepared ybut moderately active Raney nickel catalyst (ca. 0.5 g.) in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. When, after several hours the theoretical amount of hydrogen for half-hydrogenation (160 cc.) has been absorbed, filter oit the nickel catalyst and remove the solvent by evaporation. Crystallize the residual gum from methanol to obtain the title product (1.2 g), M P. 85-100 C.; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mit (e 11,800).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compoun-ds of this invention.

Condcnse Z-butyl-l,3-cyclopcntancdione (2.8 g.) in

0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide solution (8 cc.) with -m-methoxyphenylhex-1-en-3one (5 g.) by heating the mixture at for 10 hours. Evaporate the solvent under reduced pressure and heat the residue with toluenep-sulphonic acid (2 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) for 45 minutes using a Dean-Stark trap, to effect double cyclodehydration. Add ether to the cooled reaction mixture and evaporate the Washed and dried ether solution; recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the tetracyclic diene (1.9 g), M.P. 53-55; ultraviolet absorption peak at 312 ma (e 29,200).

Shake this tetracyclic diene (1.38 g.) in benzene (45 cc.) in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure with a previously reduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.5 g.). When cc. hydrogen has been absorbed, discontinue the hydrogenation and filter 011 the catalyst. Evaporate solvent and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product (1.02 g), M.P. 10S-108; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mit (E 16,700).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 9.-13-isobutyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17-one To a pre-reduced suspension of 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (7.0 g.) in benzene (30 cc.) add a solution of 13 isobutyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (20.0 g.) in benzene (500 cc.) and hydrogenate the mixture at atmospheric pressure until one mole equivalent of hydrogen is consumed. After the catalyst is removed by filtration, evaporate the solvent to obtain a gum which on crystallization from ethanol aords the title product (17.1 g.; 71%), M.P. 117-1 19; ultraviolet absorption peak -at 278 nm (e 14,560).

To prepare 13-isobutyl 3 pentyloxygona 1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-17-one hydrogenate l3-isobutyl 3 pentyloxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaen17one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 131i (3 hydroxypropyl) 3 cyclopentyloxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17 one hydrogenate 13 (3 hydroxypropyl) 3 cyclopentyloxygona 1,3, 5(10),8,l4pentaen17one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-phenethyl-3-hydroxygona 1,3,5(10)8 tetraen-17-one hydrogenate 13-phenethyl-3-hydroxygona- 1,3,5(10),8,l4-pentaen-17-one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

The prepare 13,9(2-diethylaminoethyl)-2,3 dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17one hydrogenate 13/3-(2 diethylaminoethyl) 2,3 dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13[S-propyl-Z-ethoxy-3-methoxygona 1,3,5 (l0),8,tetraen17one hydrogenate 13-propyl-2-ethoxy- 3-methoxygona1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen-17-one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene ac cording to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of the invention.

To prepare 6,13dimethyl3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-17-one hydrogenate 6,13,8-dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaenl7one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 7,13,l-dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-17-one hydrogenate 7,13-dimethyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8,14-pentaenl7-onc over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-ethyl-1,3-dimethoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8- tetraen-l7-one hydrogenate lB-ethyl-1,3-dirnethoxy-1,3, (10),8,14pentaen17one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the Inanipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-ethyl 3 acetoxygona 1,3,5 (l0),8 tetraen-l7-one hydrogenate l3ethyl3acetoxygona1,3,5 (l0),8,14pentaen17one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13,8-(3-hydroxypropyl))-3methoxygonal, 3,5(l0),8tetraenl7one hydrogenate l3/8-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3methoxygona1,3,5(10),8,l4pentaenl7one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13 -ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5 10),8tetraen 17-one hydrogenate l3-ethy1-3-ethoxygona-l,3,5(10),8, 14pentaen17-one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

T o prepare l3-phenethyl-3-propoxygona-1,3,5 l0) ,8- tetraen-l7-one hydrogenate 13,8phenethyl-3-propoxygonal,3,5(l0),8,l4-pentaen-17one over a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst in benzene according to the manipulative procedure described above.

Example 10.-13,8cety13 -methoxy gona- 1,3,5 l0) ,8-

tetraen-17-one Hydrogenate 13 -cetyl-B-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10),8, 14- pentaen-l7-one (2.39 g.) in benzene (140 cc.) at atmospheric pressure with a previously reduced 2% palladium oxide on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.3 g.) until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen has been absorbed. Remove the catalyst and evaporate to obtain a residue which one crystallizes from ethanol to obtain the title product (2.4 g.), as colorless crystals, M.P. Sli-56; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (511,500).

C34H52O2, calculated: C, 82.85%; H, 10.65%. Found: C, 82.75%; H, 10.75%.

This compound has estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 11.-1 3,8-methyl-3-hydroxygona-l,3,5 l0) ,8- tetraen-l 7-one Hydrogenate 13 IBmethy13-acetoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8, 14- pentaen-l7-one (0.05 g. obtained by the acetylation of 13,8- methyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 (l0),8,14 pentaen 17 one using pyridine and acetic anhydride) in benzene (15 cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). Hydrogenation slows down markedly after the requisite quantity of hydrogen for monahydrogenation has been absorbed. Remove the catalyst by iiltration and evaporate the solvent to obtain as residue the crude title product.

Immediately take the product up in methanol (4 cc.), add 3 N sodium hydroxide solution (l cc.) and shake the mixture for 20 minutes. Acidify and extract with ether to obtain a product which one dissolves in benzene and passes through a column of activated fullers earth. Evaporate the resulting solution and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product, M.P. 22S-227; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 my. (e 15,300).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 12.-l 3-methyl-3-hydroxygona-1,3,5 l0),

' 8-tetraen-l7-one Shake 13-rnethyl 3 hydroxygona-l,3,5(10),8,14pen taen-l7-one (0.05 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure using a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). Hydrogenation becomes very slow when 1.1 moles hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter and evaporate to obtain the title product (0,035 g.), recrystallize from methanol to get pale blue crystals, M.P. 225- 228, melting to a red liquid; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280m,.(612,000).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 13 .--1 3-ethyl-3hydroxygona1,3,5 l 0) 8-tetraen-17-one Hydrogenate 13p ethyl-3-hydroxygona1,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaen-17-one (0.5 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a 10% palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.)` After the absorption of 1.1 molar equivalents of hydrogen, hydrogenation becomes very slow; remove the catalyst by ltration and evaporate: the liltrate to obtain the title product which crystallizes from methanol in colorless plates (0.35 g.), M.P. 23S-239; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280.5 ma (e 15,500).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example l4.-l 3-ethyl-3 -acetoxygona1,3,5(10),

8-tetraen-17-one Hydrogenate 13ethyl 3 acetoxygona-l,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (1.8 g.) dissolved in benzene (25 ml.) at atmospheric pressure in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal mg). After 1.1 molar equivalents of hydrogen has been absorbed (ca. 12 hr.) tilter oi the catalyst, evaporate the filtrate under reduced pressure and recrystallize the residue from ethanol. Filter the red product through Florisil (60 g.) with benzene-petroleum (3:1), remove the solvent and recrystallize the product from ethanol to obtain the title product, M.P. 132.5- 134.5; ultraviolet absorption peak at 277 mp. (e 12,800).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as lan intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Heat 13e-ethyl 3 acetoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8-tetraen17 one (0.5 g.) and sodium hydroxide (1.2 g.) in water (10 cc.) and methanol (30 cc.) at 50 for 20 minutes in an atmosphere of nitrogen. Cool the mixture, acidity with dilute acetic acid and extract with a mixture of ether and benzene. Wash, dry and evaporate the organic extract to obtain the title products, M.P. 266-270; ultraviolet absorption peak lat 278.5 rn/.t (e 13,200).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 16.-13-propyl-3-hydroxygona1,3,5( l0), S-tetraen-17-one Shake 13-propyl 3 hydroxygonal,3,5 (10),8,14pen taen-l7-one (0.59 g.) in benzene (30 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a palladized charcoal catalyst (0.3 g.) until the requisite amount of hydrogen for selective semihydrogenation has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent to obtain a green crystalline material which one recrystallizes from methanol to obtain the title-` product (0.36 g.), M.P. 2l0-220, with decomposition to a red liquid; ultraviolet absorption peak 4at 281 ma (e 11,800).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Hydrogenate 13,Ii-methyl-S-acetoxygona-l,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-l7-one (0.05 g., obtained by the acetylation of 15 13-methyl-3hydroxygona1,3,5(10),8,14pentaen17ono using pyridine and acetic anhydride) in benzene (15 cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a palladized charcoal catalyst (0.025 g.). Hydrogenation slows down markedly after the requisite quantity of hydrogen for monohydrogenation has been absorbed. Remove the catalyst by ltration and evaporate the solvent, to obtain as residue the crude title product.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 18.-13-ethyl-3benzyloxygona-1,3,5( 10), 8-tetraen-l7-one Treat 13p ethyl-3-hydroxygona1,3,5 (10),8tetraen17 one (0.2 g.) in methanol (20 cc.) with an excess of an ethereal solution of phenyldiazomethane. After 18 hours add acetic acid (3 cc.) and evaporate. Filter the residue through a column of alumina g.) and evaporate the solvent to obtain the title product; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mp. (e 15,000).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 19.-13-methyl-3 -methoxy-D-homo gona- 1,3 ,5 10), S-tetraenl 7rz-ol Add 13 methyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-l7a-one to sodium borohydride (7 g.) in methanol (400 cc.) and reux for 30 minutes. Acidify the mixture with 50% aqueous acetic acid and evaporate almost to dryness. Add water and extract the product with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and crystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title product, (19 g.), M.P. 83-86; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mp. (e 15,800); infrared absorption peaks at 2.9611. and 6.22,Lt.

To prepare 7,13/3-dirnethyl-3methoxygona1,3,5(10),8 tetraen17-ol treat 7,13/3-dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8-tetraen17one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13methylgona-1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraene-3, 17- diol treat l3-methyl-3-hydroxygona-l,3,5(l0),8-tetraen- 17-one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13d-ethyl 2,3 dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol treat 13-ethyl 2,3 dimethoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraen17one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen- 17e-ol treat 13/3 ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen 17-one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13,3 isobutyl-3-pentyloxygona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol treat 13isobutyl 3 pentyloxygona1,3,5 (10),8-tetraen17one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13p (3 dimethylaminopropyl) 1,3- dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17/3 ol treat 13p- (3 dimethylaminopropyl) 1,3 dimethoxygona 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraen 17 one with sodium borohydride according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of the invention.

Example 20L-13-rnethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8-

Add sodium borohydride (0.5 g.) to a solution of 13- methyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17- one (2.9 g.) in ethanol (50 cc.), reflux for 10 minutes and then leave at room temperature for 1/2 hour. Acidify with glacial acetic acid and evaporate to dryness under reduced pressure. Treat the residue with water, ether extract and wash and dry. Evaporate the extracts. Recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product (2.3 g.), M.P. 133-135".

C19H24O2, calculated: C, 80.2%; H, 8.5%. Found: C, 80.4%; H, 8.4%.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 21.--13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol Hydrogenate 13d ethyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10), 8,14 pentaen 17,8 ol .(0.31 g.) and recrystallize the product from hexane-ethyl acetate to obtain the title product, ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 my. (e 15,000).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 22.-13-ethyl-3-metl1oxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8- tetraen-17-ol Add 13p ethyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8 tetraen 17 one (16.8 g.) slowly to a solution of sodium borohydride (6 g.) in methanol (500 cc.) and swirl the mixture which boils spontaneously. When all the material has been added and the reaction has subsided, add acetic acid (15 cc.). Reduce the mixture in volume by evaporation of most of the solvent, add water and extract the product with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried extracts to obtain a crude crystalline product (16.8 g.), M.P. 102-105" on recrystallization from acetonitrile.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Reduce 13,6 ethyl- 3 metboxy D homogene 1,3,5 (10),8 tetraen 17a one (20.9 g.) exactly as described for the preparation of the 13 methyl compound to obtain the title product (20 g.), M.P. 110-1l2; infrared absorption peaks at 2.9611. and 623e.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Hydrogenate 1313 propyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5 (10),8,14 pentaen 17@ ol (0.32 g.) and recrystallize the product from hexane-ethyl acetate to obtain the title product, ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 lma (e 15,000).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Add 13,8 propyl 3 methoxygona l,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17 one (3.5 g.) to a solution of sodium borohydride (1.16 g.) in methanol (120 cc.). Heat the reaction mixture to reflux with stirring for 30 min. Concentrate the resulting solution, adjust its pH to 6 with aqueous acetic acid and filter off the resulting white precipitate which is the title product, (3.1 fan), M.P. 134-138;

17 Example 26.13-buty1-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 l0) ,8- tetraen-17-ol Add -sodium borohydride (12.1 g.) to 1318 butyl 3- rnethoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17 one (36.2 g.) in ethanol (1200 cc.) and reux the mixture for 1 hour. n cooling, acidify the mixture with aqueous acetic acid and evaporate to dryness under reduced pressure. Add water to the residue and extract the product with ether. Work up in the usual manner to obtain a residue; recrystallize from hexane to obtain the 13-n-butyl-title product (26.9 g.), M.P. 90-l00; ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 mn (e 15,600); infrared absorption peak at 2.88n, no absorption in the 5.715.88 region.

C22H30O2, calculated: C, 80.9%; H, 9.3%. Found: C, 81.0%; H. 9.0%.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 27.-13,B-isobutyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8 tetraen-17-ol To a stirred solution of sodium borohydride (6.0 g.) in methanol (500 cc. under nitrogen) add 13,8 isobutyl- 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17 one (17 g.). Gently heat the reaction mixture for one minute to initiate the reaction and then allow to stand for one hour at room temperature. After adding cautiously glacial acetic acid (20 ce), concentrate the solution in vacuo to l/a of its volume followed by addition of water. Extract the product with ether. Wash the etheral solution successively with Water, sodium bicarbonate, and water, and dry. Evaporate the ether to obtain l3eisobutyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5(),8 tetraen -17 ol as a gum, (17.0 g.; 99%); ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mn (e 14,560).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Stir a solution of 13cetyl-3-methoxygona1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-l7-one (0.60 g.) and sodium borohydride (0.20 g.) in ethanol (110 cc.) for 2 hours and leave overnight. Reflux with stirring for 2 hours, cool, and add an excess of 50% aqueous acetic acid. Evaporate the mixture to dryness under reduced pressure and partition the residue between ether and Water. Work up in the usual manner to get an ether solution of the title product as a gum; infrared absorption peak at 278 mu.

This compound has estrogenic acivity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 135 etl1ylgona-1,3,5(l0),8,l4pentaene3,17 diol (0.28 g.) in benzene (35 cc.) with 10% palladized charcoal (300 mg.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until 25 cc. of hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter off the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product, M.P. 234-238; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mn (e 14,200).

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Hydrogenate 13-propylgona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene 3,l7diol (0.31 g.) exactly as described in the previous example to obtain the title product, M.P. ZIO-218; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mn (e 12,000).

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, lowers the blod lipid level, and is useful as an itnermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 31.--13-ethyl-3,l7-dimethoxygona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraene Methylate 13 ethyl 3 methoxygona1,3,5(10),8 tetraene-l7-ol (l g.) in methylene chloride (50 cc.) containing boron tritluoride etherate (0.1 cc.) with diazomethane (from N-nitrosomethylurea 3.1 g.) in methylene chloride (60 cc.). Leave the mixture for 5 minutes, lilter, and wash the filtrate with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide, and water, and dry. Recrystallize the product from hexane containing a few drops of ethanol. to obtain the title product (.3 g.), M.P. 97g ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 ma (E 16,500).

C21H2802, calculated: C, 80.7%; 1H, 9.0%. Found: C, 80.5%; H, 8.8%.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 1318 ethyl-3,17dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10)8,14 pentaene (1 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) with 2% palladium on calcium carbonate (0.5 g.) in yan atmosphere of hydrogen until 1 molar equivalent of hydrogen (85 cc.) has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent to obtain the title product, M.P. 94-97; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mu (e 16,400).

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds Of this invention.

Methylate 13,8 butyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5 (l0),8 tetraen-17-ol (1 g.) in methylene chloride (50 cc.) with diazomethane. Recrystallize the crude product from ethanol and then take up in benzene; chromatograph on neutral alumina. Benzene-ether (2:1) elutes a fraction which one recrystallizes from ethanol (6 cc.) to obtain the title product (.2 g.), M.P. 87; ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 mn (e 16,700).

C23H32O2, calculated: C, 81.1%; H, 9.5%. Found: C, 81.0%; H, 9.4%.

This compound has estrogenc activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 34.-13/3-ethyl-3-methoxy717,17-ethylenedioxygona-l,3,5( l0) ,8-tetraene Hydrogenate 13e ethyl 3methoxyl7,17-ethylenedioxygonae1,3,5(10),8,l4-pentaene (2.0 g.) in benzene (70 cc.) at atmospheric pressure using a 5% palladium on calcium carbonate c-atalyst (0.70 g.) Uptake oi hydrogen ceases after cc. has been absorbed. Isolate the product and recrystallize from 95% ethanol to obtain the title product (1.3 g.), M.P. 13S-37; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 15,100).

C22H28O3, calculated: C, 77.6%; H, 8.3%. Found: C, 77.5%; H, 8.6%.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity and blood lipid lowering activity, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention` To prepare 6,13dimethyl3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraene hydrogenate 6,13 dimethyl 3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedlioxygonal1,3,5(10),- 8,14pentaene using a 5% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-ethyl-1,3-dimethoxy-17,17-ethylene dioxygonal 1,3,5,(10),8tetraene hydrogenate 13-ethyl 1,3 dirnethoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaene using a 5% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure describe( above.

To prepare 13-phenethyl-3-propoxy-17,17ethylene dioxygona1,3,5(10),8tetraene hydrogenate 13-phenethyl 3-propoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5( 10) ,8,14- pentaene using a palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13- 3-hydroxpyropy1) -3-cyclopentyloxy- 17,17 ethylenedioxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraene hydrogenate 13p 3-hydroxypropyl)3-cyclopentyloxy17,l7 ethylenedioxygonal,3,5(10),8,14pentaene using a 5% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds possess estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 35 .-13-ethyl-3-meth0xy-17,17-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy) -gonal ,3,5 ,8-tetraene Example 36.-13-propyl-3-methoxy-17,17-ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraene Shake 13-propyl-3-methoxy-17,l7-ethylenedioxygona- 1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene (2.5 g.) in benzene (80 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.9 g.) iydrogen uptake ceases after the requisite amount (161 rc.) for monohydrogenation has been absorbed. Filter and :vaporate to obtain a gum, which one crystallizes from :thanol to obtain the title product (1.8 g.), M.P. 119- l; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 imp. (e 15,300).

C23H30O3, calculated: C, 77.9%; H, 8.5%. Found: 3, 77.7%; H, 8.5%.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid owering activities and is useful as an intermediate for )reparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17- ne (5.0 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (10 cc.) add 200 cc. of ithium aluminum acetylide suspension and reliux the nixture for 4 hours. Add ice water with stirring, follow y 3 N sulphuric acid to dissolve the resulting precipiate, and work up the product with ether in the usual vay, to obtain the title product (5.0 g.), ultraviolet ibsorption peak at 276 ma (e 13,300).

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid )wering -activity and is useful as an intermediate for reparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Add 13 ethyI-S-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17 ne (92 g.) in aniline (300 ce.) with stirring to lithium cetylide (from commercial lithium amide), (50 g.) in niline (500 cc.) under an acetylene atmosphere. Pass cetylene into the mixture with stirring for 3 days. Add yater and extract the mixture with ether; free the extracts fom aniline by washing with 10% sulphuric acid, and :olate the product to obtain the title product as a gum 88 g.); infrared absorption peaks at 2.75, 3.03/L.

This compound has estrogenic and blood lipid lowerxg activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing 1e hormonal compounds of this invention,

20 Example 39.--1 3 ,B-ethyl-3-methoxy- 17a-ethynyl gona- 1,3,5(10) ,8-tetraen-17-ol To a, stirred suspension of lithium acetylide (42.4 g.) in a mixture of dioxan (240 cc), ethylenediamine (l0 cc.), and vdimethylacetamide (250 cc.) add a solution of 13,8 ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17one (66.6 g.) in dimethylacetamide (450 cc.) in an atmosphere of acetylene. Continue stirring for an additional 20 hours (under acetylene). Pour the reaction mixture into crushed ice (1.5 kg.) and extract with four 200 cc. portions of benzene. Wash the combined extracts with sulfuric acid and water and dry. Evaporate the solvent to obtain a crude oil which one dissolves in methanol (450 cc.) and treats with charcoal (6.5 g.). After concentrating the filtrate to 300 cc. add water (45 cc.) and cool to obtain the title compound (62.4 g., 86%). Recrystallization from methanol furnishes an analytical sample, M.P. lOl-103; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e. 16,100); infrared absorption peaks at 2.79, 3.04, 3.53, 4.8M..

C22H26O2, calculated: C, 82.3%; H, 8.3%. Found: C, 82.0%; H, 8.1%.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To prepare 13/3 cetyl-3-methoxy17aethynylgona-1,3, 5( 10) ,8-tetraen17ol treat 13-cety1-3-methoxygona-l, 3,5(10),8tetraen17one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 6,13-dimethyl 3 methoxy-17a-ethynylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraenl7ol treat 6,1313 dimethyl3 methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen 17 one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 7,13-dimethyl 3 methoxy-17a-ethynylgonal,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol treat 7,1313 dimethyl3 methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraen 17 one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-methyl 2,3 dimethoxy-17a-ethynylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen 17 ol treat 13-methyl2,3 dimethoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17 one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

(10),8-tetraen-17.ol treat 13-ethyl-3-ethoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraen17one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13phenethyl3propoxy17aethynylgona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraen 17,8 ol treat 13-phenethyl-3-propoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17-one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13/3- (3-hydroxypropyl)-3-cyclopentyloxyl7a-ethynylgona1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol treat 13-(3- hydroxypropyl)-3cyclopentyloxygona 1,3,5(10),8 -tetraen-17-one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To prepare 13-(2-diethylaminoethyl)2,3dimethoxy l7a-ethynylgona1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol treat l3-(2- diethylaminoethyl) 2,3 dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one with lithium acetylide according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, and are useful in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To a stirred suspension of lithium carbide (2.5 g.) in a mixture of dioxan (40 cc.), ethylenediamine (10 cc.), and dimethylacetamide (50 cc.) add a solution of 13- ethyl3methoxygona1,3,5(l0),8tetraenl7one (5 g.) in dimethylacetamide (50 cc.) in an atmosphere of acetylene. Continue stirring for an additional 20 hours under acetylene. Pour the reaction mixture into crushed ice (200 g.) and extract with ether. Wash the ethereal solution with sulfuric acid and Water, and dry. Evaporate the ether to obtain a crude oil which one dissolves in methanol (50 cc.); treat with charcoal (6 g.) and filter. Concentrate the filtrate to about 1/2 of its volume, add water (6 cc.), cool to obtain the title product (4.2 g., 77%). Recrystallize from methanol, M.P. lOl-3; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 16,100); infrared absorption peaks at 2.79, 3.04, 3.53, 4.81/1.

This compound possesses estrogenic and blood lipid lowering activity and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Add 13 -propyl3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17- one (2.0 g.) in aniline (30 cc.) with stirring to lithium acetylide (from lithium, 1 g.) in aniline (60 cc.) under an acetylene atmosphere. Pass a vigorous stream of acetylene into the mixture with stirring for 26 hours. Work up to obtain the title product as a red gum (2.0 g.); infrared absorption peaks at 2.80, 3.05p.

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Add 13 butyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17- one (3.5 g.) in aniline (35 cc.) with stirring to lithium acetylide (from commercial lithium amide, 4 g.) in aniline (55 cc.) under an acetylene atmosphere. Pass acetylene into the mixture with stirring for 40 hours. Work up to obtain the title product as a red gum (3.7 g); infrared absorption peaks at 2.93, 3.08, 4.59,u..

This compound has estrogenic activity, lowers the blood lipid level, and is useful as an intermediate for preparing the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 13 -ethyl-3-methoxy-17a-ethynylgona- 1,3,5( 10),

-8-tetraen-17-ol (1.9 g.) in benzene (100 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.6 g.) until no more hydrogen is absorbed. Hydrogenation ceases when the requisite amount of hydrogen for selective saturation of the ethynyl group has been absorbed. Filter and evaporate the solvent to obtain a crystalline residue which one recrystallizes from methanol, to obtain the title produce (1.5 g), `M.P. 13C-140; ultraviolet absorption peak at 276 ma (e 15,500); infrared absorption peak at 2.79n.

This compound has estrogenic activity, and is useful in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To obtain 13 cetyl 3 methoxy-17a-ethylgona-L3, (10),8tetraenl7ol hydrogenate 13-cetyl-3-methoxy- 17aethynylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 6,1318-dimethyl-3-methoxy-17a-ethylgona- 1,3,5(),8-tetraen17ol hydrogenate 6,l3,8-dimethyl3 methoxy 17a ethynylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 7,13- dimethyl-3-methoxy-l7a-ethylgona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraenl7ol hydrogenate 7,13-dimethyl-3- methoXy-17a-ethynylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17,3 0l using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,17a diethyl 2,3 dimethoxygona-l,3, 5( 10),.8-tetraen-17-ol hydrogenate 13,8 ethyl- 2,3 dimethoxy 17a ethynylgona 1,3,5(10),8tetraen17,B-ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8,1711- diethyl-3ethoxygona1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol hydrogenate 13/3-ethyl-3-ethoxy-17aethy nylgona1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13-phenethyl-3-propoxy-17a-ethylgona1,3, 5(10),8tetraen17ol hydrogenate 1313 phenethyl 3- propoxy 17a ethynylgona 1,3,5(1 0),8tetraen 17-ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 1318- (3-hydroxypropyl)-3-cyelopentyloxy- 17a-ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8 -tetraen 17-ol hydrogenate 13-(3hydroxypropyl) 3 cyclopentyloxy-17a-ethynylgona1,3,5(10),8tetraen-17-ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

To obtain 13,8- (2diethylaminoethyl)2,3-dimethoxy 17aethylgona 1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol hydrogenate l3-(2-diethylaminoethyl 2,3dimethoxy 17a ethynylgona-1,3,5 (l0),8tetraen17ol using a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst according to the manipulative procedure described above.

These compounds possess estrogenic activity, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Shake 13,3 propyl 3 methoxy-l7aethynylgona1,3, 5(10),8tetraen17ol (1 g.) in benzene (100 cc.) with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst (0.35 g.). Hydrogenation is interrupted after the requisite amount of hydrogen for selective saturation of the ethynyl group has been absorbed; filter and evaporate to obtain a residue; crystallize from methanol to obtain the title product (0.5 g.), M.P. 106-108; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 14,700); infrared absorption peak at 2.80/t.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

To a suspension of magnesium turnings (20 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (50 cc.) add several milliliters of a solution of allyl bromide (11.8 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (225 cc.) and initiate the reaction by crushing a piece of the suspended magnesium with a glass rod and a small crystal of iodine. Slowly add the rest of the solution of allyl bromide in tetrahydrofuran over 30 minutes followed by the dropwise addition of a solution of 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17one in tetrahydrofuran (1 liter) and allyl bromide (220 g.) over a period of 45 minutes. Reflux the reaction mixture for 3 hours, cool to 5 and add 20% aqueous ammonium chloride with vigorous stirring. Separate the organic layer, extract the aqueous layer with ether (400 cc.) and add ether (500 cc.) to the combined organic extracts which are then washed with cold water (5X 300 cc.), dried, the solvent evaporated and the residue recrystallized from n-hexane to obtain the title product (51 g., 88%), M.P. 12B-125; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 18,300); infrared absorption (KBr disc) peaks at 2.88, 3.43, 6.12, 6.23, 6.36, 6.67a.

C23H30O2, calculated: 81.6%; 1H, 8.92%. Found: 81.55%, H, 8.81%.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 46.-13-ethyl-3-methoxy-17-allylgona- 1,3,5 l) ,S-tetraenl7-ol To a suspens-ion of magnesium turnings (20 g.) in tetrahyd'rofuran (50 cc.) add several milliliters of a solution of allyl bromide (11.8 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (225 cc.) and initiate the reaction by crushing a piece of the suspended magnesium with a glass rod and add a small crystal of iodine. Slowly add 4the rest of the solution of allyl bromide in tetrahydrofuran over 30* `minutes followed by the dropwise addition of a solution of 13,8- ethyl-3 methoxygona l,3,5(10),8 tetraen 17 one in tetrahydrofuran (1 liter) and allyl bromide (220 g.) over a period of 45 minutes. Reflux the reaction mixture for 3 hours, cool to 5 and add 20% aqueous ammonium chloride with vigorous stirring. Separate the organic layer, extract the aqueous layer with ether (400 cc.) and add ether (500 cc.) to the combined organic extracts which are then Washed with cold lwater (5X 300 cc.), dried, the solvent evaporated and the residue recrystallized from n-hexane to obtain the title product (5l g., 88%), M.P. 123-125; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 18,300); infrared absorption (KBr disc) peaks at 2.88, 3.43, 6.12, 6.23, 6.36, 6.67,@

C23H30O2 calculated: 81.6%; H, 8.92%. 81.55%; H, 8.81%.

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Found:

Example 47.-13/S-ethyl-3-methoxy-17a-propylgona- 1,3,5(),8-tetraen-17-ol Shake l3-ethyl 3 methoxy 17a allylgona 1,3, 5(10),8tetraen17-ol (50 g.) with prereduced 2% palladium on calcium carbonate catalyst g.) in benzene (500 cc.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen has been absorbed (3.6 1.). Filter off the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from hexane to obtain the title product, (40 g., 80%), M.P. 137-139; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 yma (e 16,800); infra-red absorption (KBr disc) peaks at 2.95, 3.5, 6.25, 6.37, 6.68m

This compound possesses estrogenic activity, and is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of the hormonal compounds of this invention.

Example 48.-13/8-methyl-3 -methoxy-D-homogona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraenl7aone Add 13,8 methyl 3 methoxy yD homogona 1,3, 5(10),8,l4-pentaen17aone (11 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (200 cc.) to a suspension of prereduced 2% palladized calcium carbonate (6 g.) in tetrahydrouran (100 cc.) and shake the mixture 1in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (896 cc.) has been absorbed (about 3 minutes). Filter the catalyst, remove the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethyl acetate-ethanol to obtain the title compound (0.5 g.), M.P. 1l9-l24; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mn (e 15,620).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 49,-13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 l0) ,8-

tetraen-17-one Dissolve l3 methyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8, l4-pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in benzene (60 cc.) and shake with pre-reduced 2% palladized calcium carbonate (l g.) n an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivilent of hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, :vaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from nethanol to obtain the title compound (1.4 g.), M.P. 11S-119; ultraviolet absorption maximum at 278 my. Ie 15,000).

24 C19H22O2, calculated: C, 80.8%; H, 7.85%. Found: C, 80.5%; H, 7.85%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 50.-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5( 10) ,8- tetraen-17-one Shake 13 ethyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8,14 pentaen-l7-one (670 g.) in benzene (2.15 l.) with prereduced 2% palladized charcoal (225 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen at 25 until 57.64 l. of hydrogen have been absorbed (112 min). Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize from methanol to obtain the title compound (561.1 g.), M.P. 11G-119; ultraviolet absorption -maximum at 278 mit (e 14,600). Recrystallize further from methanol to obtain material, M.P. 122.5".

C20H24O2, calculated: C, 81.0%; H, 8.1%. Found: C, 81.2%; H, 8.0%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 51,-l3,l7aa-diethyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraenl7aol Add 13d ethyl 17am ethynyl 3 methoxy D- homogona-l,3,5(l0),8tetraen17aol (16.2 g.) in benzene cc.) to pre-reduced 2% palladized charcoal (5 g.) in benzene (150` cc.) and shake the mixture in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (2,308 cc.) has been absorbed (1 hour). Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and boil the residue with methanol (200 cc.). Cool and filter to obtain the title compound (13.0 g.), M.P. 16S-170; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 17,024).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 52.--1 3-ethyl-3-methoxy-17-methyl-D- homogona-l ,3,5( l0) ,8-tetraen-17a-ol Dissolve 13-ethyl3-methoxy-D-homogona-1,3,5(10), S-tetraen-17a-one (13.3 g.) in Adry benzene (350 cc.) and add 3 lmolar methyl magnesium bromide in ether (200 cc.). Reflux for 8 hours, cool, and add saturated aqueous ammonium chloride dropwise. Separate the organic layer, wash, dry and evaporate and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title product (9.2 g.), M.P. 117- 123; ultraviolet absorption peak at 276 ma (e 15,500).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 53.-l7-ethoxy-12-ethyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraene Keep 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8,14pentaen 17-one (1 g.) in ethanol (4 cc.), triethylorthoformate (l cc.) and concentrated sulphuric acid (1 drop) at 45 for 30 minutes. Add triethylorthoformate (0.5 cc.) and keep the mixture at 55 for a further 30 minutes. Pour the cooled solution into saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and filter the residue through Florisil with hexane-benzene (9: 1). Evaporate the eluate and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 17-ethoxy- 13 -ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8,14, l6-hexaene (0.42 g.), M.P. 79-81".

Dissolve 17 ethoxy l3-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (l0),8,14,16hexaene (0.25 g.) in benzene (15 cc.) and shake with 10% palladized charcoal (0.1 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen at 25 until two equivalents of hydrogen (35 cc.) have been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and filter through a column of Florisil (l0 g.) with benzene-hexane (1:9). Evaporate the eluate and recrystallize the residue from meth anol and then from acetone-methanol to obtain the title compound, M.P. 76-79".

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Redux 3 methoxy 13 mcthylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol (44 g.) in pyridine (600 cc.) with succinic anhydride (44 g.) for 5 hours and then stir the solution in an atmosphere of nitrogen for 16 hours. Pour the cooled solution into excess dilute hydrochloric acid and extract the mixture with chloroform. Wash, dry and evaporate the chloroform solution and triturate the residue with ether to obtain the title compound (41.8 g.), M.P. 145-148".

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 55.-13 /3-ethyl3-methoxygona-1,3,5 10 ,8-

tetraen-17-ol, hemisuccinate Reflux 13,8 ethyl- 3methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8-tetraen- 17-ol (45 g.) in pyridine (600 cc.) with succinic anhydride (45 g.) for 16 hours. Pour the cooled solution into a mixture of ice (750 g.), water (750 cc.) and N hydrochloric acid (750 cc.) and extract with chloroform. Wash, dry and evaporate the chloroform solution. Triturate the residue with ether and dry to obtain the title compound (51.2 g.), M.P. 164-165; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mp. (e 16,080); infrared absorption peaks at 3.45, 5.75, 5.85, 622;.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the prepartion of the hormonal compounds.

Example 56.-3, 17-diacetoxy-13,8-ethylgona-1,3,5 10 8-tetraene Shake 3,17 diacetoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10), 8,14-pentaene (0.25 `g.) in benzene (10 cc.) with 10% palladized charcoal (100 mg.) in at atmosphere of -hydrogen until slightly more than the volume of hydrogen for half-hydrogenation has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title product (0.18 g.), M.P. 141-143; ultraviolet absorption peak at 277 my. (e 15,900).

C23H28O., calculated: C, 75.0%; H, 7.7%. Found: C, 74.7%; H, 7.7%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Reflux 13p ethyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (0.5 g.) in isopropenyl acetate (9 cc.) with p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.1 g.) for 15 hours, and then distil olf 5 cc. of the solvent over 30 minutes. Dilute the cooled solution with ether. wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 17-acetoxy-13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1, 3,5(10),8,14,16hexaene (0.27 g.), M.P. 133-135".

Dissolve 17 acetoxy 13-ethyl-3-methaxygona-1,3,5 (10),8,14,16hexaene (0.25 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) and shake with pre-hydrogenated 10% palladized charcoal (0.1 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until two molecular equivalents of hydrogen (35 cc.) have been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and lter the residue through a column of Florisil (10 g.) with benzene-hexane (1:1). Evaporate the eluate and recrystallize the residue from ether-methanol to obtain the title compound, M.P. 12S-126.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the prepartion of the hormonal compounds.

Dissolve 3 acetoxy 13,8 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one (0.9 g.) in a solution of sodium borohydroxide (0.5 g.) in ethanol (100 cc.), keep the mixture at 25 for 16 hours and then pour into ice-water and collect the precipitate. Recrystallize from aqueous ethanol to obtain the title compound as a hemihydrate (0.6 g.), M.P. ISO-182; ultraviolet absorption peak at 276.5 mp (e 15,000).

C19H24O21/2H2O, calculated: C, 77.7%; H, 8.6%. Found: C, 77.6%; H, 8.6%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 59.-17bromoacetoxy13-methyl-3-methoxygona-1,35(10),8-tetraene Treat 13,8 methyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-ol (0.728 g.) in pyridine (0.4 cc.) and benzene (4 cc.) with bromoacetyl bromide (0.685 g.). Allow to stand for 16 hours at 25, then add water and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution, filter the residue through neutral alumina with benzene, and recrystallize from etherhexane to obtain the title product (0.45 g.), M.P. 104107; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mp. (e 15,200).

C21H25O3Br, calculated: C, 62.22%; H, 6.21%; Br, 19.72%. Found: C, 62.43%; H, 5.84%; Br, 19.7%.

These compounds lhave estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Reflux 6-(m-methoxyphenyl)hept-l-en-3-one (10 g.) with 2-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione (7 g.) in 0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide (50 ce.) for 16 hours. Add water to the cooled mixture and isolate the product with ether to give 2(6-m-methoxyphenyl3-oxoheptyl)-2- methylcycilopentane-l,3-dione (13 g.). Reflux this Michael condensate with anhydrous p-toluenesulfonic acid (4 g.) in benzene (50 oc.) for 15 minutes with continuous removal of water. Wash, `dry and evaporate the cooled reaction mixture and distil the resulting gum at 200-220 (bath temp.)/i0.1 mm./Hg to obtain a pink glass. Triturate with methanol and iilter the crystals formed, M.P. -95. Recrystallize twice from methanol to obtain 3- methoxy 6,17 `dimethylgona 1,3,5(10),8,14 pentaen-17-one (2.5 g.), M.P. 101104; ultraviolet absorption peak at 314 mp (e 27,800). Take up the residue from the mother |liquors of the first recrystallization in a little methanol and allow to stand, and lter off the deposited crystals to obtain 3-methoxy-6a,17dimethoxygona 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaen17one (0.04 g.), M.P. 100103, which depresses on admixture with the first epimer.

Shake 6,8,13-dimethoxy-3-rnethoxygona-1,3,5 10) ,8, 14-pentaen-17-one (0.5 g.) in benzene (12 ce.) with prereduced 2% palladized calcium carbonate (0.17 g.) in `an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (40 oc.) has Ibeen absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from methanol to give the title product (0.3 g), M.P. 88-91; ultraviolet absorption peak at 281 ma (e 415,800).

CZOHMOZ, calculated: C, 81.05%; ll-I, 8.2%. Found: C, 80.75%; H, 8.3%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 61..-6,13-dimethyl-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraen-17-ol Suspend 6, 13 Jdimethyl-:-methoxygona-1,3,5( 10 ,8- tetraen-17-one (3.0 g.) in methanol (50 cc.) and add sodium iborohydride (ca. 0.5 g.). After 30 minutes add acetic Iacid cc.) and concentrate under reduced pressure until crystallization commences, then add water and extract with ether. Wash and dry the organic solution, and evaporate and recrystallize the residue from acetonitrile to obtain the title compound (2.45 g.), M.P. 13D-132; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 15,500).

C20H26O2, calculated: C, 80.49%; H, 8.78%. Found: C, 80.41%; H, 8.65%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 62.-3-methoxy-6ot,13-dimethylgona- 1,3,5 ,8-tetraen-17-one Shake `601,13-dimethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5( l0),8,14 pentaen-17-one (0.2 g.) in benzene (10 cc.) with 2% palliadized calcium carbonate (0.07 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until enough hydrogen to saturate one ethylenic bond has been absorbed (16.5 cc.). Filter the catalyst and evaporate the solvent to obtain the title cornpound (0.2 g.) as an uncrystallizable gum.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the =blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the Ahormonal compounds.

Add sodium borohydride (0.07 g.) to 3-methoxy- 6a,13dimethylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraen17one (0.2 g.) in methanol (2O cc.) and stir for 1 hour. Acidify with aqueous acetic acid, add Water and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution to obtain the crude title compound as a crystalline solid.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Reliux 2-(6-m-methoxyphenyl)3-oxoheptyl-2-ethylcyclopentane1,3dione (53.3 g.) in .benzene (600 cc.) with p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydr-ate g.) for 1 hour, using a water separator. Wash, dry and evaporate the ybenzene solution and distil the residual gum at 0.003

Add sodium borohydride (7 g.) to 13-ethyl-3-methoxy- 6-methylgona-1,3,5(10),8-tetraen-17-one (29 g.) in ethanol (300 cc.) and reflux the mixture for 1 hour. Add water to the cooled reaction mixture, isolate the product with ether and evaporate to obtain the title compound (32 g.) as a gum.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

28 Example 66.-1 3 -ethyl- 17 A 3,5 -dinitrobenzoyloxy) 3 -methoxy-G-methyl gona- 1 ,3 ,5 10) ,8-tetraene Dissolve 13 -ethyl-3-methoxy-6-methylgona-1,3,5 l0) 8-tetraen-17-ol (l0 g.) in pyridine (50 cc.) and add 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride (8 g.). Heat the mixture at 80 for 1 hou-r, cool and pour into dilute hydrochloric acid. Extract the mixture with ether-benzene land wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution. Recrystallize the residue several times from ethyl acetate to obtain the title compound, VM.P. 20D-205.

These compounds lhave estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add 6,7-dimethoxy-l-tetralone (6.1 g.) in tetrahydrofuran cc.) to a solution of vinyl magnesium chloride (from magnesium 9.6 g. and excess vinyl chloride) in tetrahydrofuran (4100 cc.) at 25 and stir the mixture for 4 hours, and then pour into saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and take up the residue of 1,2,3,4 tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-l-vinyl-l-tetralol in methanol (30 cc.) and add it to 2methylcyclopentane1,3-dione (4 g.) in 0.12% methanolic potassium hydroxide (1() cc.) and reflux the mixture for 3 hours. Pour the cooled solution onto ice, extract with ether and wash, dry and evaporate the organic solution. Crystallize the residue from methanol to obtain 2,3-dimethoxy-13-methyl-8,14-secogona-1,3,5(10),9(1l)-tetraene14,17dione (5.4 g.), M.P. 104-106".

C20H24O4, calculated: C, 73.12%; H, 7.37%. Found: C, 73.37%; H, 7.14%.

Add 10 N hydrochloric acid (100 cc.) to a refluxing solution of 2,3-dimethoxy-13/3-methyl-8,14-secogona-1,3, 5(10),9(11)tetraene-14,17dione (60 g.) in methanol (600 cc.) and tetrahydrofuran (50 cc.). Cool the solution to -5, filter the precipitate and recrystallize from methanol-tetrahydrofuran to obtain 2,3-dimethoxy-13- methylgona1,3,5(10),8,14pentaen17one (34 g.), m.p. 134-137. Purify from ethanol to obtain material, M.P. 137-140".

C20H22O3, calculated: C, 77.39%; H, 7.11%. Found: C, 77.17%; H, 7.05%.

Add 2,3 dirnethoxy 13,6 methylgona-l,3,5(l0),8,14 pentaen-17-one (2 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) to pre-reduced 2% palladized calcium carbonate (0.5 g.) in benzene (5 cc.) and shake the mixture in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (156 cc.) has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, remove the solvent and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title compound (1.1 g.), M.P. 158162.

C20H24O3, calculated: C, 76.89%; H, 7.74%. Found: C, 76.58%; H, 7.68%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add sodium borohydride 10 g.) to 2.,3dimethoxy13 methylgona-1,3,5\(10),8tetraen17one (10 g.) in ethanol (250 cc.) and stir the mixture for 2 hours. Pour the mixture into brine and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution to obtain the crude title product 10 g.). Recrystallize from methanol to obtain the pure compound, M.P. 178-18l.

C20H26O3, calculated: C, 76.4%; H, 8.34%. Found: C, 76.2%; H, 8.13%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 69.-3 -methoxy-6-methyl-17,17-ethylenedioxy 13 -ethyl gona- 1 ,3,5 10) ,8-tetraene Reflux 2 (6-m-methoxyphenyl-3-oxoheptyl-Z-ethylcyclopentane-1,3dione (39.7 g.) in benzene (500 cc.) with p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (11.0 g.) using a water separator. After two molar equivalents of water have been removed add ethylene glycol (50 ce.) and rellux the solution for 16 hours. Wash, dry and evaporate the benzene solution and dissolve the residue in hexane. Filter the solution several times through Florex, remove the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 3-methoxy-6-methyl-l7,17ethylenedioxyl3-ethylgona-1,3,5(),8,14pentaene (16.8 g.), M.P. 116-119".

Shake 3 methoxy 6-methyl-17,17ethylenedioxy1313- ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene (15.3 g.) in benzene (300 cc.) with 2% palladized charcoal (5.0 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (1040 cc.) has been absorbed (10 min.). Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from 95% ethanol to obtain the title compound (11.0 g.), M.P. 122-124; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 my. (e 15,140).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 70.-13-n-propyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona- 1,3,5 10) ,8-tetraer117a-one Add 6mmethoxyphenylhexl-en-3-one (43.2 g.) to a solution of 2-n-propylcyclohexane1,3-dione (34 g.) in pyridine (22.1 cc.) and benzene (400 cc.) `and reux the mixture for 16 hours. Wash the cooled solution with water, aqueous sodium carbonate, water, 10% sulfuric acid, water and brine. Evaporate the solution to leave 2-(6m methoxyphenyl 3-'oxohexyl)-Z-n-propylcyclohexane-l,3- dione (43 lg.). Dissolve this product (43 g.) in benzene (400 cc.) and add the solution slowly to stirred polyphosphoric acid (250 cc.) in an atmosphere of nitrogen .and continue stirring at ca. 60 for 2 hours. Add ether to the cooled solution, wash with water and brine and dry. Remove the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain 13-n-propyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona- 1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaene-l7aone (27.6 g.), M.P. 8689; ultraviolet absorption peak at 313 ma (e 24,300).

C22H26O2, calculated: C, 81.95%; H, 8.13%. Found: C, 82.1%; H, 8.8%.

Add 13-n-propy1-3methoxyD-homogona-1,3,5 10) ,8- 14-pentaen-l7a-one (27.6 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (250 cc.) to pre-reduced 2% palladized charcoal (7 g.) and shake this mixture in an atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (2054 ce.) has been absorbed (15 min.) Filter the catalyst, remove the solvent and boil the residue with 95% ethanol (i250 cc.). Cool and filter to obtain the title compound (22.5 g.), M.P. 146- 148; ultraviolet absorption peak at 277 mp. (e 16,130).

C22H18O2, calculated: C, 81.42%; H, 8.69%. Found: C, 81.30%; H, 8.62%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 7 l .-1 3 -n-propyl-3 -methoxy-D-homogona- 1,3,5( 10) 8-tetraen-17a-ol Redux 13,8 n propyl-3-methoxyDhomogona1,3,5- (10);8-tetraen-l7a-one (20 g.) in ethanol (250 cc.) with sodium borohydride (7 g.) for 1 hour, then cool, acidify with 50% aqueous acetic acid and dilute with water (500 cc.). Filter the precipitate, wash it with water and boil with ethanol (250 cc.). Cool and lilter to obtain the title compound (16 g.), M.P. 122-l24; ultraviolet absorption peak at 275 ma (e 16,375).

C22H30O2, calculated: C, 80.92%; H, 9.27%. Found: C, 80.74%; H, 9.18%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add solid lithium acetylide-ethylenediamine complex (9.5 g.) to 3 methoxy 13p methylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one (10 g.) in dimethylacetamide (100 cc.) and stir the mixture in an atmosphere of acetylene for 15 hours. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and dissolve the crude product in methanol (20 cc.) containing potassium hydroxide (2 g.) and redux for 2 hours. Add water to the cooled solution and wash with ether, and then acidify the aqueous solution and extract with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried ether extracts to obtain 3-m-methoxy-benzyl butanoic acid (1.5 g.) as a gum. Stir this material with stannic chloride (2 cc.) for 1 hour at and then add ice-cold 10% hydrochloric acid (20 cc.) to the cooled reaction mixture and wash the resultant oil free from stannic chloride by decantation. Take up the oil in ether, wash the ethereal solution with 1% aqueous sodium hydroxide (20 cc.) and water, dry and evaporate the solvent. Dissolve the residue in benzene and filter through alumina (5 g.). Evaporate the filtrate and re` crystallize the residue from ether-light petroleum to obtain 6-methoxy-3-methyl-l-tetralone (0.75 g.), M.P. 70- 71.5.

CIZHMOz, calculated: C, 75.8%; H, 7.4%. Found: C, 76.1%; H, 7.6%.

Add -methoxy-S-methyl-1-tetralone (2.5 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (15 cc.) during 30 minutes to a stirred solution of vinyl magnesium chloride (3.1 g., from magnesium 0.864 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (l5 cc.); stir the solution for 11/2 hours and pour onto a mixture of ammonium chloride and crushed ice. Extract the mixture with a mixture of equal volumes of ether `and benzene, and wash, dry and evaporate the organic solution to obtain 6-methoxy-3- methyl-1vinylltetralol (2.9 g.) as an oil. Reflux 6- methoxy-3-methyl-1vinyl1tetralol (2.9 g.) with 2-ethy1- cyclopentane-1,3dione (1.6 g.) in methanol (6 cc.) containing potassium hyrdoxide (10 mg.) for 6 hours. Concentrate the reaction mixture to small volume, add ether (15 cc.) and benzene (15 cc.), filter, land wash, dry and evaporate the liltrate to obtain an oil which crystallizes from methanol. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and dissolve the crude product in methanol (20 cc.) containing potassium hydroxide (2 g.) and reux for 2 hours. Add Water to the cooled solution and wash with ether, and then acidify the aqueous solution and extract with ether. Evaporate the washed and dried ether extracts to obtain 3- m-methoxybenzyl butanoic acid (1.5 g.) as a gum. Stir this material with stannic chloride (2 cc.) for 1 hour .at 100 and then add ice-cold 10% hydrochloric acid (20 cc.) to the cooled reaction mixture and Wash the resultant oil free from stannic chloride by decantation. Take up the oil in ether, wash the ethereal solution with 1% aqueous sodium hydroxide (20 cc.) and water dry and evaporate the solvent. Dissolve the residue in benzene and filter through alumina (5 g.). Evaporate the filtrate and recrystallize the residue from ether-light petroleum to obtain 6-methoxy-3-methyll-tetralone (0.75 g.), M.P. 70 71.5.

C12H14O2, calculated: C, 75.8%; H, 7.4%. Found: C, 76.1%; H, 7.6%.

Add 6-methoxy-3-methyl-l-tetralone (2.5 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (15 cc.) during 30 minutes to a stirred solution of vinyl magnesium chloride (3.1 g., from magnesium 0.864 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (15 ce); stir the solution for 11/2 hours and pour onto a mixture of ammonium chloride and crushed ice. Extract the mixture with a mixture of equal volumes of ether and benzene, and wash, dry and evaporate the organic solution to obtain 6-methoxy3 methyl-1-vinyl-1-tetralol (2.9 g.) as an oil. Reux 6- methoxy-3methyl1-vinyl-1-tetralol (2.9 g.) with 2-ethylcyclopentane-1,3dione (1.6 g.) in methanol (6 cc.) containing potassium hydroxide mg.) for 6 hours. Concentrate the reaction mixture to small volume, add ether cc.) and benzene (15 cc.), lter, and wash, dry and evaporate the filtrate to obtain an oil which crystallizes from methanol. Pour into ice-water, extract with ether- -benzene (1:1) and wash, dry and evaporate the organic extract. Recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title compound (2.8 g.), M.P. 133-l37; infrared absorption peaks at 3.1 and 6.25,.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add 17a ethynyl 3 methoxy 13,8 methylgona- 1,3,5(l0),8-tetraen17ol (7 g.) in benzene (75 cc.) to a suspension of pre-hydrogenated 2% palladized calcium carbonate (3 g.) in benzene (50 cc.), and shake in an atmosphere of hydrogen until two molecular equivalents of hydrogen (1030 cc.) have been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue twice from methanol to obtain the title compound (4.5 g.), M.P. 10S-120; ultraviolet abosrption peak at 278m# (e 12,000).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Hydrogenate ethyl-3-mmethoxybenzylbut 2 enoate (2 g.) in ethanol (8 cc.) in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal (0.5 g.) until hydrogen uptake ceases (250 cc.). Pour into ice-Water, extract with ether-benzene (1:1) and wash, dry and evaporate the organic extract. Recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the title compound (2.8 g.), M.P. 133-l37; infrared absorption peaks at 3.1 and 6.25,u.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add 17a ethynyl 3 methoxy 13 methylgona- 1,3,5(10),8tetraen17ol (7 g.) in benzene (75 cc.) to a suspension of pre-hydrogenated 2% palladized calcium carbonate (3 g.) in benzene (50 cc.), and shake in an atmosphere of hydrogen until two molecular equivalents of hydrogen (1030 cc.) have been abosrbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue twice from methanol to obtain the title compound (4.5 g.), M.P. 10S-120; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278m# (e 12,000).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 74.--13/3-ethyl-17,17-ethylenedioxy-3-methoxy- 7-methylgona-1,3,5(10),8tetraene Hydrogenate ethyl-3-m-methoxybenzyl-but 2 enoate (2 g.) in ethanol (8 cc.) in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal (0.5 g.) until hydrogen uptake ceases (250 cc.). Recrystallize three times from methanol to obtain 13- ethyl-3-methoxy-7-methyl-8,14-secogona- (0.688 g.), M.P. 75-80", ultraviolet `absorption peak at 267111,11. (e 18,600).

C21H26O3, calculated: C, 77.3%; H, 8.0%. Found: C, 77.1%; H, 8.1%.

To an anhydrous solution of p-toluenesulfonic acid (from the monohydrate 0.5 g.) in benzene (50 cc.) add the foregoing seco-compound l( 1.0 g.) and stir the mixture at 25 for 15 hours. Wash, dry and evaporate the solution to obtain 13/8-ethyl-3-methoxy-7-methylgona-1,3,5(10),8, 14-pentaen-17-one y(0.8 g.) as a brown gum. Distil at 0.002 mm. to obtain the material as a viscous straw colored gum.

Reflux 13 -ethyl-3-methoxy-7methylgona1,3,5( 10) ,8, 14-pentaen-17-one (2 g.) with p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.4 g.) in ethylene glycol (30 cc.) and benzene (300 cc.) for 16 hours with continuous removal of water. Wash, dry and evaporate the cooled solution and recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain 13,5-ethyl-17,l7ethylene dioxy 3-methoxy-7-methylgono-1,3,5( l0),8,14pentaene (0.86 g.), M.P. 126.5-l29; ultraviolet absorption peak at 313 ma (e 30,400).

Add 13 ethyl 17,17 ethylenedioxy 3-methoxy-7- methylgona-l,3,5(10),8,l4pentaene (0.7 g.) in benzene (8 cc.) to pre-reduced 2% palladized charcoal (0.225 g.) in benzene (3 cc.) and tetrahydrofuran (2 cc.) and Shake in an `atmosphere of hydrogen until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen (48 cc.) has been absorbed (3 hours). Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue twice from methanol to obtain the title com pound (0.33 g.), M.P. 147-151; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mn1(e 15,500).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 75 .-Ethyl-3-methoxy- 1 3 -ethylgonal ,3,5 l0 S-tetraen- 17 -one- 1 -glyoxalate Add diethyl oxalate (2.36 g.) to a suspension of sodium methoxide (1.08 g.) in benzene (10 cc.) in an atmosphere of nitrogen, and then add 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona-1,3,5 (10),8tetraenl7one (2.95 g.) in benzene `(10 cc.). Shake the mixture for 5 minutes and then leave for 15 hours. Add water with cooling, then a little methanol and 5% aqueous potassium hydroxide to dissolve all the solid material. Separate the aqueous phase and extract the organic layer with 5% aqueous potassium hydroxide. Acidify the combined aqueous extracts with 2 N hydrochloric acid and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and recrystalliz/e the residue from methanol-ethyl acetate to obtain the title compound (2.9 g.), M.P. 12S-128; ultraviolet absorption peak at 286 ma (e 24,200).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 76.-l3 -ethyl-3 -methoxy-16-methylgona-1,3,5

( 10 ,S-tetraen- 17-one Reflux ethyl 3 methoxy-l3-ethylgonal,3,5(l0),8 tetraen-17-one-16-glyoxalate (2.4 g.) with anhydrous potassium carbonate (2 g.) and methyl iodide l(3 cc.) in acetone (30 cc.) for 20 hours. Add methyl iodide (3 cc.) and reflux a further 20 hours. Evaporate the mixture almost to dryness, add water and extract with ether. Wash the etheral solution with 1 N sodium hydroxide, brine and dry. Evaporate the solvent and treat the residue with sodium ethoxide (from the metal 0.25 g.) in ethanol (25 cc.) and allow the mixture to stand at 25 for 24 hours. Add Water, extract with ether, and wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution. Recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title compound y(0.85 g.), M.P. 131- 133; ultraviolet absorption maximum at 280 mp (e- 16,400).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 77.-13-ethyl-3-methoxy-16-oximinogona-1,3, 5(10),8tetraen17one Add 1316* ethyl-3-methoxygona-l,3,5( l0),8tetraen17 one (3 g.) to a solution of potassium (0.75 g.) in tert= butanol (30 cc.) and stir the mixture for 4 hours. Add

isoamyl nitrite (2.3 g.) and continue stirring for 17 hours at 25, then at 50 for 2 hours and finally for 4 hours at 25. Add ice and water, wash with ether, and then acidify the aqueous phase with acetic acid and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and recrystallize the residue from acetonitrile to obtain the title compound (1.6 g.) which decomposes at ca. 210 and melts ca. 223; ultraviolet absorption peak at 275 me (e 16,500).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 7 8.-13-ethyl-3-rnethoxygona-1,3,5 l0) ,8-

tetraen-17-ol-16-one Heat 13 lBethyl-3methoxyl 6-oximinogona-l,3,5 10 ,8- tetraen-l7one (0.5 g.) with zinc dust (0.5 g.), acetic acid (15 cc.) and water (l cc.) at 100 until dissolution is complete. Add water (15 cc.) and reilux the mixture for 75 minutes, adding 0.3 g. of zinc dust after 15 minutes and a further 0.3 g. after 40 minutes. Decant the cooled mixture and wash the zinc residue with benzene and add ether (200 cc.). Shake the mixture with solution of sodium hydroxide (7.5 g.) in water (150 cc.), separate the aqueous layer and extract it with ether (50 cc.) and wash the combined organic solutions with 0.5 N hydrochloric acid, water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and dry. Evaporate the solvent and wash the residue with ether to obtain the title compound (0.162 g.), M.P. 16S-165; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 ma (e 14,400).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Reflux 1315 ethyl3methoxygona1,3,5(l0),8tetraen l7/3-ol-16-one (0.5 g.) in benzene (20 cc.) with 3 N methyl magnesium bromide in ether (2.5 cc.) for 2 hours. Add acetone cautiously to the cooled solution and then shake with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. Separate the organic layer and wash, dry and evaporate. Recrystallize the residue from ether-hexane to obtain the title compound (0.22 g.), M.P. 165-167 after further recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 mime 15,400).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 80.-13-n-butyl-17,17-diethoxy-3-methoxygona- 1,3,5(),8-tetraene and 13,B-n-butyl-17,l7diethoxy3 methoxygonal,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraene Dissolve 13 -n-butyl-B-methoxygona-l ,3,5 10 ,8-tetraen-17-one in ethanol (4 cc.), triethylorthoformate and concentrated sulfuric acid (0.01 cc.) at 60 and then maintain at 50 for 2 hours. Add aqueous sodium bicarbonate to the cooled react-ion mixture and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution and lter the residue lthrough neutral alumina with light petroleum containing benzene. Evaporate the eluate to obtain a mixture of the title compounds as a gum; ultraviolet absorption peak at 272 mit (e 14,900).

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and yare useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Add 13;? ethyl-3-methoxy-D-homogona-1,3,5 (10),.- tetraen-l7a-one (20 g.) to dimethylacetamido (300 cc.) containing lithium acetylide ethylenediamine complex (40 g.) and stir the mixture in an atmosphere of acetylene for 24 hours. Pour the mixture onto ammonium chloride and crushed ice, extract with ether, and wash, dry

and evaporate the ethereal solution. Recrystallize the residue from methanol to obtain the soluated title compound (16.2 g), M.P. -90.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 82.-3 -allyloxy13-ethylgona-1,3,5 10) ,8- tetraenl 7-one To a solution of 13-ethylgona1,3,5(l0),8-tctraen-3- ol-17-one (0.562 g.) and potassium carbonate (0.5 g.) in ethanol (50 cc.) and Water (2 cc.) add freshly distilled allyl bromide (0.65 cc.) and reux the mixture in an atmosphere of nitrogen for 21/2 hours. Add water (50 cc.) and cool the mixture at 5 for 16 hours. Filter the precipitate to obtain the title compound (01.52 g.), M.P. 108- 109.5. Further purify from methanol, M.P. 108- 109; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278.5 m/J. (e 18,600).

CHI-12602, calculated: C, 81.95%; H, 8.13%. Found: C, 81.79%; H, 8.17%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 83 .-17 /3-acetoxy-3 -allyloxy-l 3 -ethyl gona- 1,3,5 l 0 ,8-tetraene Dissolve 3-allyloxy-13,8-ethylgoua-1,3,5( 10) ,8-tetraenl7-one (0.46 g.) in ethanol (10 cc.) containing sodium boroliydride (0.2 g.) and leave the mixture at 25 for 48 hours. Pour the solution into Water, acidify to pH 4 with dilute acetic acid and extract with ether. Wash, dry and evaporate the ethereal solution, and eluate the residue from a column of Florsil with benzene. Evaporate the eluate and recrystallize from methanol to obtain white hydroscopic needles. Dissolve these in acetic anhydride (1 cc.) and pyridine (2 cc.) and allow to stand for 16 hours at 25. Pour the mixture into water, extract with ether, and wash, dry and evaporate. Triturate the residue with methanol and then recrystallize to obtain the title compound (0.07 g.), M.P. Qt-104; ultraviolet absorption peak at 278 ma (e 15,100). Recrystallize further to obtain an analytical sample, M.P. 10S-105.

CMHSOOB, calculated: C, 78.65%; H, 8.25%. Found: C, 78.48; H, 8.16%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 84.-3-cyclopentyloxy-13-ethylgona1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-l7 -one Dissolve 6-hydroxyl-1tetralone (16.2 g.) and sodium hydroxide (4 g.) in water (20 cc.) and ethanol (100 cc.) and add cyclopentyl bromide (21 g). Heat the mixture under reiiux for 16 hours, cool, add water and extract with ether. Wash the ethereal solution with 2 N sodium hydroxide, water, and dry. Evaporate the solvent and distil to obtain 6-cyclopentyloxy-l-tetralone (9.8 g.), BP. 163-165/0.4 mm.

Dissolve 6cyclopentyloxy-1-tetralone (8.6 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (30 cc.) and add the solution to 40 cc. of vinyl magnesium bromide (from magnesium 1.95 g. and vinyl bromide 6.5 cc.) in tetrahydrofuran at 25. Let the mixture stand for 4 hours and pour into saturated arnmonium chloride solution. Extract with a mixture of ether and benzene and wash, dry and evaporate the organie extracts to obtain 1,2,3,4tetrahydro-6cyclopentyl oxy-l-vinyld-naphthol as an oil (9.45 g.). Dissolve this product in methanol cc.) and add the solution to 2- ethylcyclopentanc-l,3-dione (5 g.) in methanol (5 cc.) containing potassium hydroxide (0.1 g.). Redux for 6 hours, cool, pour into water and extract with ether. Wash and dry the ethereal solution and evaporate the solvent to obtain 3-cyclopentyloxy-l3ethyl-8,14secogona 1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-14,17dione .as an oil (11.8 g.); ultraviolet absorption peak at 267 ma (e 18,050).

Reflux 3 cyclopentyloXy-l3-ethyl-8,l4-secogona-1,3,5 (10),9(l1)tetraenel4,l7dione (11.8 g.) in ethanol (100 cc.) and 10 N hydrochloric acid (8 cc.) for 45 minutes. Add water and isolate the product with ether. Chromatograph on a column of Florisil (400 `g.), eluting with benzene and recrystallize the solid fractions from ethyl acetate-methanol to obtain 3-cyclopentyloxy-13B-ethylgona-1,3,5-(10),8,l4-pentacn-17one (5.35 g.), M.P. 93- 96; ultraviolet a-bsorption peak at 313 mn (e 30,900).

Shake 3-cyclopentyloxy-l3-ethylgona-1,3,5 10) ,8,14- pentaen-17-one (1.17 g.) in benzene (25 cc.) in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal (0.3 g.) in an atmosphere of hydrogen until 107 cc. of hydrogen have been absorbed. Filter the mixture through celite, evaporate the filtrate to dryness 4and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title compound (0.779 g), M.P. 12S-130; ultraviolet absorption peak at 280 mp. (e 17,- 500).

C24H30O2, calculated: C, 82.24%; H, 8.63%. Found: C, 82.09%; H, 8.46%.

These compounds have estrogenic activity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of the hormonal compounds.

Example 85 .-3 -cyclopentyloxy-l3-ethyl-17,l7-ethylenedioxygona1,3,5( 10) ,S-tetrane Reux 3-cyclopentyloxy-13-ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8,14- pentaen-17-one (1.0 g.) in benzene (30 cc.) with ethylene `glycol (2.4 cc.) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (0.21 g.) for 16 hours with continuous removal of water. Wash the cooled reaction mixture with water, aqueous potassium bicarbonate, and dry. Evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethyl acetatemethanol to obtain 3-cyclopentyloxy-13ethyl17,17- ethylenedioxygona 1,3,5(10),8,l4 pentaene, M.P. 116- 117.

C26H32O3, calculated: C, 79.55%; H, 8.22%. Found: C, 79.54%; H, 8.25%.

Hydrogenate 3-cyclopentyloxy-l3-ethyl-17,17 ethylenedioxygona-1,3,5(10),8,14pentaene (0.19 g.) in benzene (5 cc.) in the presence of 10% palladized charcoal (0.029 g.) until one molecular equivalent of hydrogen has been absorbed. Filter the catalyst, evaporate the solvent and recrystallize the residue from ethanol to obtain the title compound (0.128 g.), M.P. 122-l25; ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 mn (e 15,800).

These compounds have estrogenic activ-ity, lower the blood lipid level, and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of hormonal compounds.

Example 86.-3-cyclopentyloxy-Bti-ethylgona-1,3,5-

() ,8-tetraen-17-ol Reflux 3-cyclopentyloxy 13 ethylgona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one (0.163 g.) in ethanol (20 cc.) with sodium borohydride (0.1 g.) for 10 minutes and then leave at 25 for 16 hours. Evaporate to dryness, take up the residue in Water and ether, and neutralize to pH 6 with dilute acetic acid. Separate the ethereal layer, wash with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, dry, and evaporate to dryness. Recrystallize the residue rfrom methanol to obtain the title compound (0.096 g), M.P. 48-51; ultraviolet absorption peak at 279 mn (e 15,150).

The subject matter which the applicants regard as their invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as follows:

1. A chemical compound having the gonane nucleus, wherein the nucleus has the A-ring aromatic and an 8(9)-double bond, said nucleus having attached thereto, in the 13-position, a polycarbon-alkyl radical containing from two to about sixteen carbon atoms.

2. A 3-lower alkoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8tetraene having attached thereto, in the 13-position, a polycarbon-alkyl 35 radical containing from two to about sixteen carbon atoms.

3. A 3-lower alkoxy-13-ethylgona-l,3,5(10),8tetraene having at the 17-position at least one of the groups consisting of keto and hydroxy.

4. A process for preparing a compound having the gonane nucleus, wherein the nucleus has the A-ring aromatic and an 8(9)-double bond, comprising: selectively hydrogenating at the 14(15)positi0n a compound having the gonane nucleus, wherein the nucleus has the A-ring aromatic and 8(9)- and 14(15)double bonds in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst.

5. A process for preparing a compound having the gonane nucleus, wherein the nucleus has the A-ring aromatic and an 8(9)-double bond, comprising: selectively hydrogenating at the 14(15) and 16(17)positions a compound having the gonane nucleus, wherein the nucleus has an aromatic A-ring and 8(9)-, 14(15) and 16(17)double bonds, in the presence of a hydrogenaton catalyst.

6. 13-ethyl-3-methoxygona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen17- one.

7. 13-n-propyl 3 methoxygona-1,3,5(l0),8tetraen 17-one.

9. 13-ethyl 3 methoxygona 1,3,5(l0),8 tetraen- 17,6-01.

12. 13H-ethyl 3 methoxy-l7a-ethynylgona-1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-17-ol.

15. l3-ethyl-3-methoxy 17a propylgona-1,3,5(10), 8-tetraen-l7-ol.

16. 3,17 diacetoxy 13 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraene.

17. 13-ethyl 3 methoxy--methyl-gona-1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one.

18. 2,3 dimethoxy 13 methylgona 1,3,5(10),8 tetraen-17-one.

19. 2,3 dirnethoxy 13,8 methylgona 1,3,5(l0),8 tetraen-17-ol.

20. 17a-ethyny1-3-methoxy 13,6 methylgona 1,3,5- (l0) ,8-tetraen-l7-ol.

23. 3 cyclopentyloxy l3 ethylgona 1,3,5(10),8- tetraen-17-one.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,700,674 1/1955 Velluz et al. 260-397-4 2,702,297 2/1955 Romo et al 260-397.1 2,712,027 6/ 1955 Rosenkranz et al. 260-397.45

OTHER REFERENCES Chemical Abstracts (I) vol. 42, cols. 8805 and 06 (1948).

Chemical Abstracts (Il) vol. 47, co1. 12466(a) (1953).

HENRY FRENCH, Primary Examiner. LEWIS GOTTS, Exminer. 

